Umbilical cord stem cell banking is being done actively for almost past 24 years and has saved millions of lives. According to an estimate, more than 60,000 patients are being treated via stem cell therapy for different medical conditions. These diseases are as complicated as leukaemia, thalassemia etc. It is the ‘super’ power of stem cells which gives our body the chance to heal, repair and regenerate. These magic cells have the unique ability to turn into any kind of cells like blood cells, brain cells or even tissue. These stem cells give us a chance to lead a healthier and a longer life. It is important to know that each and every part of our body is made up of stem cells, may it be skin or teeth or hair or any other part. A baby in the womb is just a mass of stem cells.
What is the importance of umbilical cord stem cell banking?
Umbilical cord stem cell banking is extremely crucial as the cord blood is rich in stem cells and can be used to cure various diseases. Once, the umbilical cord was considered a biological waste and was thrown away without realising its medicinal value. Now, researchers show that the umbilical cord is a rich source of stem cells which in turn is proving crucial in the treatment of several life threatening diseases. Studies show and the researchers believe that in future not only life threatening diseases but common illnesses will also be cured by stem cell therapy.
What is the procedure for obtaining umbilical cord stem cells?
Umbilical cord stem cell banking is a simple procedure and is relatively painless. The important point is that the collection of blood should be done as soon as possible after the delivery otherwise the blood starts clotting and becomes useless. Once the baby is born and separated from the mother, a needle is inserted in that part of the umbilical cord which is still attached to the placenta. Once inserted, the procedure takes around 10 minutes approximately. When the needle is inserted in the cord, it is nowhere near the baby and does not inconvenience the baby or the mother in any way. After the sample has been collected, it is immediately transferred to a storage facility in a controlled environment. In the facility due care is taken to ensure that the sample is preserved at the right temperature. It is then monitored by a team of certified and experienced professionals.
What precautions should be taken for proper storage of cord blood?
For the storage facility, some important points need to be taken care of. As the storage bank will be preserving the stem cells for 21 years, the company which has been chosen for umbilical cord stem cell banking should be well reputed, financially stable and certified. Secondly, the storage facility should be located in a place which is less prone to natural disasters like floods or earthquakes etc. Also there should be proper measures to safeguard the cord against any damage caused due to fire etc. Thirdly, the storage facility should have adequate power back in case of a power failure. Lastly, the bank chosen should have a good network and tie ups with hospitals to ensure that the sample is available even at a short notice.
What is the importance of umbilical cord stem cell banking?
Umbilical cord stem cell banking is extremely crucial as the cord blood is rich in stem cells and can be used to cure various diseases. Once, the umbilical cord was considered a biological waste and was thrown away without realising its medicinal value. Now, researchers show that the umbilical cord is a rich source of stem cells which in turn is proving crucial in the treatment of several life threatening diseases. Studies show and the researchers believe that in future not only life threatening diseases but common illnesses will also be cured by stem cell therapy.
What is the procedure for obtaining umbilical cord stem cells?
Umbilical cord stem cell banking is a simple procedure and is relatively painless. The important point is that the collection of blood should be done as soon as possible after the delivery otherwise the blood starts clotting and becomes useless. Once the baby is born and separated from the mother, a needle is inserted in that part of the umbilical cord which is still attached to the placenta. Once inserted, the procedure takes around 10 minutes approximately. When the needle is inserted in the cord, it is nowhere near the baby and does not inconvenience the baby or the mother in any way. After the sample has been collected, it is immediately transferred to a storage facility in a controlled environment. In the facility due care is taken to ensure that the sample is preserved at the right temperature. It is then monitored by a team of certified and experienced professionals.
What precautions should be taken for proper storage of cord blood?
For the storage facility, some important points need to be taken care of. As the storage bank will be preserving the stem cells for 21 years, the company which has been chosen for umbilical cord stem cell banking should be well reputed, financially stable and certified. Secondly, the storage facility should be located in a place which is less prone to natural disasters like floods or earthquakes etc. Also there should be proper measures to safeguard the cord against any damage caused due to fire etc. Thirdly, the storage facility should have adequate power back in case of a power failure. Lastly, the bank chosen should have a good network and tie ups with hospitals to ensure that the sample is available even at a short notice.
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