If you are pregnant or perhaps even just researching stem cells you have potentially heard people talking about banking cord blood. But why would you bank your cord blood? What does it have to do with stem cells? You might have many more questions so let us give you a quick run-down as to what cord blood banking is.
Read on to find out more.
What is Cord Blood Banking?
Quick definition: Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the blood from the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born.
The slightly longer version is that on the day your baby is born, once the cord has been clamped and cut and the placenta has been delivered, the blood that is leftover (even after delayed cord clamping) can be collected. This is done by a specially trained phlebotomist. This blood is then stored either in a public or private storage bank.
So, why would you want this blood?
Cord blood is a rich source of stem cells.
So, what are stem cells?
Stem cells are the building blocks of other cells in the body.
And why would I store the cord blood stem cells specifically?
Cord blood stem cells are amazing. These cells can be used to treat over 80 conditions worldwide including anaemia and leukaemia with further research being done to find their further potential.
Public vs Private Banking
There are two forms of cord blood storage:
Public
This is a free donation service offered by the NHS.
The blood is collected at birth and put into a public storage bank. It can then be used by anyone waiting on the stem cell donation list. You need to inform your doctors and nurses of your choice, so they are ready to help you on the day.
There are only a few hospitals in the UK that will offer public cord blood banking in the form of donation.
Private
Choosing private stem cell storage gives you and your family exclusive access to the stem cells collected. Should your child or their sibling get it, they can gain immediate access to the treatment options rather than waiting on a donor list. Your child will be a 100% match while their siblings have a high chance of being at least a partial if not full match. It isn’t free but it could be worth it for the safety net you provide your family. Get in contact with your chosen stem cell storage company and they shall provide you with all the details you could need.
Should I bank?
Nothing in life is predictable so maybe it’ll be comforting to know you have a safeguard ready for the future.
At the end of the day though, the choice is entirely yours. If you want to provide a safety net for your family, you can choose private. If you want to donate just ensure the precious stem cells do not go to waste and see if you can get access to the donation service. If you are simply here doing a bit of research, we hope this blog has gone some way to filling you in on something you might be considering.