The Decision For Cord Blood Storage Is Easy

When you first start your prenatal care you doctor may or may not discuss cord blood storage, and it may be up to you entirely to start the discussion. If your family has a genetic predisposition to certain diseases and cancers, banking your newborns cord blood could be the most important decision you will ever make. True you may never need to call upon the stem cells, but it is an added form of life insurance policy that may prove one day to be worth more to you than millions of dollars ever could be. The stem cells found in the newborns cordblood can be used to not only protect your newest addition to the family, but they are compatible with you, your spouse, and their other siblings. Cord blood storage may ultimately save the life of one of your parents. Before discovering the life saving potential of cordblood, doctors routinely treated it like the byproducts of birth and discarded it. Today it is becoming more and more common for doctors to recommend storing it. Collecting cord blood from a newborn is a completely non invasive maneuver that just requires the medical team to put it in a storage container provided by FamilyCord immediately after birth. The baby does not have to be bothered in any way to collect the cord blood because it is done after the umbilical cord is cut using FamilyCord’s patented collection kit which is considered one of the safest in the industry. Of course, because the cord blood is extracted from the umbilical cord it is important to have made your decision prior to birth and to be prepared with the collection kit. The physician as well as the nurse needs to be aware of your decision to bank your newborn’s cordblood, and you need to have the collection kit available to medical staff when you arrive at the hospital. Once the collection is taken, you call for pick up and within 2 hours a courier will be there to get your special package delivered and processed immediately. FamilyCord also offers different payment options for storage with storage times being anywhere from a year and beyond, and FamilyCord is the first and only the only private cord banking facility that offers a public donation option in the future. The public donation option is a great way to help another family in the future. Although families with a predisposition to certain genetic diseases may opt for cordblood storage more than a family that may not, the future uses of stem cells have not all be recognized, and what might not seem to be too important today, may indeed be important to you in the future. Storing your cord blood is an easy, affordable way to offer protection for your baby and family for many years down the road. ; it finding the right cord blood storage facility is what matters.

Hot Stocks For March 31St 2010 Xcho Slpo Cbai Brzm

Boca Raton FL, TheStockWizards.net a Premiere Financial Portal & Investor Relations Firm that brings a wealth of trading resources to Small Cap Investors, has compiled a list of stocks on the OTCBB, and Pink Sheet Markets that have positive technical indicators and may provide continued trading opportunities for investors.

XenaCare Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB) XCHO

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Mar 31, 2010 XenaCare Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:XCHO), a company specializing in the marketing and retail distribution of consumer healthcare products, has announced today that its over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, Cobroxin, will be featured on a segment of The Balancing Act, a morning show that airs on the top-rated women’s cable television network, Lifetime Television.

Technical Outlook

XCHO All of our technical indicators show that the stock is very oversold at these levels. We are expecting a bounce off the 50 day moving average (.35) in the next few days. With a market capitalization of about 25 million The Stock Wizards.net thinks the stock is very undervalued at these levels considering the sales and revenues that their flagship product Cobroxin will generate. One to keep an eye on. For more information on Cobroxin go to there website. http://www.cobroxin.com/

Superlattice Power, Inc. (OTCBB) SLPO

MOORESVILLE, NC, Mar 31, 2010 Superlattice Power, Inc. (OTCBB: SLPO) (www.superlatticepower.com), emerging leader in the development and marketing of next generation lithium-powered batteries worldwide, proudly announces due to availability of new Cathode material the development of the fast charge, 80% state of charge (SOC) battery pack in less than 30 minutes shows promising results.

Technical Outlook:

SLPO Traders and Investors are focusing in on the resistance level of .05. A weekly close above this level will spark new momentum for the stock and possibly the start of a new short term trend. SLPO has a nice solid base at .03. SLPO is currently up 16% on 27 million shares traded in the morning session.

Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB) CBAI

LAS VEGAS, March 31, 2010 Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CBAI), the umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company (http://www.cordblood-america.com ) focused on bringing the life saving potential of stem cells, a biological insurance policy, to families nationwide and internationally, announced today that it has signed a License and Cooperation Agreement for the processing and storage of umbilical cord blood in China with AXM Pharma, Inc. (Pink Sheets: AXMP).

Technical Outlook

CBAI  Traders and Investors are taking notice this morning that there could be a potential breakout over the 50 day moving average (.0094.) a breakout over the 50 day moving average can produce major breakouts in stocks. A weekly close over the psychological .01 area this week could spark some serious momentum in the stock.  CBAI is currently up 4% on 11 million shares traded in the morning session.

Brazilian Mining Inc (OTC: BRZM)

GARDNERVILLE, NV, Mar 31, 2010 Terrax Inc., www.terrax.us is a subsidiary of Brazilian Mining Corporation (PINKSHEETS: BRZM). Mr. Murray Owen, President of Terrax, announced that the research and development team of Terrax has adapted its Theia system to provide environmental detection and display of greenhouse gases and other invisible gases which are known to contribute to global warming. The Theia system uses proprietary data analysis coupled with unique camera devices selected by Terrax. Mr. Owens stated that “the application of the Theia System allows Terrax to enter into the Green Sector and to supply products for the civilian market in the effort to decrease global warming.” The company, Terrax, believes that this application of the Theia system will broaden their revenue stream and profitability.

Technical Outlook

 BRZM  broke out above its 200 day moving average (.0167) a few days ago and is consolidating very nicely above this level. There has been a four-day consolidation period in affect. The stock could be setting up for another run. If BRZM can break above the short term resistance level of .025 there could be another round of momentum buying in the stock. BRZM is up 21% on 4.2 million shares traded in the morning session.

To know more tips please click on this stockwizards.net

Published by blogerzoom

 

Medical Advances, Including Cord Blood, Herald A Golden Age Of Medical Advances

We live in amazing times when it comes to medical advances. In our media-centric world, we have a tendency to focus on disease outbreaks or what seems like ever increasing odds of contracting cancer, but we never really stop to put these facts in context. Certainly we have seen some significant outbreaks. SARS was a major concern only a few years ago, causing chaos in many parts of the world, including North America. But the death toll was measured in hundreds, perhaps thousands worldwide. The H1N1 (or Swine) flu, declared a pandemic influenza by the World Health Organization, generated a year and counting of anxious parents and nervous governments. Again, the death toll, considering the scope of the outbreak, has been extremely modest. In comparison, the 1918 influenza pandemic killed anywhere from 50 million to 100 million people worldwide. Was the 1918 flu any more virulent than H1N1? Possibly, It likely wasn’t any more deadly than SARS, though. So what explains the dramatically different death tolls, especially since conditions today are even more favorable for disease transmission (i.e., rapid and frequent travel along with increased population and greater population density). The answer is advances in medical treatment. What about that cancer, dementia and Alzheimer’s? It seems that the odds of being stricken by cancer in your lifetime has increased this century and recent studies have warned about the overwhelming numbers of patients expected to be diagnosed with dementia and related afflictions in coming years. If modern medicine is so effective, why are we seeing this? Once again, a little context goes a long way. It’s not that modern medicine is failing us. On the contrary, there have been so many medical advances that more people are now living longer. And in living longer, their odds of being affected by conditions that are known to strike most frequently in elderly individuals -dementia and cancers being perfect examples- have been increased. In other words, some cancers and Alzheimer’s seemed less common fifty years ago because people were dying before they’d lived long enough to be affected. Medical researchers have already begun to tackle these age old scourges and progress continues to be made. Diseases like HIV, which were a virtual death sentence only a few decades ago, are now largely manageable. Stem cell research holds a great deal of promise in the treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions ranging from cancer to heart disease, diabetes and spinal cord injuries. And then there’s the potential of nano technology. I predict that many of us will look back on this century as the golden age of medical advances.

Cord Blood Stem Cell Banking ? Why Do Parents Consider Banking of Stem Cells?

Cord blood stem cell collection is a necessary act, but not routine in delivery rooms. Expectant parents are recommended to plan for cord blood donation early since nearly 50% of the vaginal child deliveries take place before the scheduled date. In such cases, even the most enthusiast parents seem to lose the opportunity to preserve their child’s umbilical cord cells that contain life saving potential for their newborn baby or other members of families. Therefore, plan and contact an umbilical cord blood bank for storing the miraculous stem cells. It is suggested that the interested parents do some research themselves about the various options available for preserving their baby’s stem cells in a cord blood bank.

When To Contact A Cord Blood Bank

Medical practitioners advise yet-to-be parents to plan for cord blood stem cell banking as early as the fourth month of the pregnancy. Most of the parents decide to bank cord blood cells if they have a family history of a particular disease that is treatable by bone marrow transplant or have a family member who is ailing with one of the disease that suggest bone marrow transplant treatment. The mother has to undergo special medical tests to ensure that she is eligible for the donation. In addition, she has to sign a consent form.

Cord Blood Stem Cells

Viability of Cord Blood in Treating Malignant Diseases

Having the capability of creating life-forming cells, cord blood has emerged as one of the most extraordinary discoveries in the past 2 decades. The process of cord blood banking is a highly specialized procedure that is taken up after the delivery of the placenta. Numerous positive outcomes have emerged in multiple cord blood cell transplants over the years and this is why medical practitioners are prioritizing the collection of these stem cells. Patients who are suffering from leukemia, liver disorders, heart attacks, some types of blindness, immune system disorders, diabetes, spinal cord damages etc, get relief from their severe conditions after cord blood cells are transplanted to them.

Cord Blood Vs Bone Marrow

Practitioners have made use of the umbilical cord blood collected in several life threatening diseases that had earlier treatment options like drugs and radiation treatments, often a combination of both. Later, bone marrow transplants came as another alternative treatment to medicines, radiation and chemotherapy, though the later are still used in several cases. Painful extraction and application of bone marrow stem cells is one of the major disadvantages of bone marrow transplants. Moreover, the availability of the right donor is an issue most patients and their doctors struggle with. With cord blood in the picture, patients can be their own donors! The nature of the stem cells extracted from cord blood makes it even more valuable.

Stem cells drained from the umbilical cords of babies can develop any type of cells required to cure certain types of diseases and decrease the incidence of graft versus host disease in transplants. One disadvantage, however, is the cord blood quantity, which is undoubtedly less than what patients can get in bone marrow.

Success Stories

Following are some of the case histories of cord blood cell treatments, that reinforce the importance of cord blood collection

Private Cord Blood Banking vs. Public Donation

Public Donation vs. Private Cord Blood Banks List of Pros and Cons

Deciding on a cord blood banking method is not easy. There are many factors to consider when choosing what is right for your family. Below you will find a list of pros and cons for each type of cord blood bank.

Public Cord Blood Banks – Pros:

1) Accept free donations

2) Strive to provide suitable cord blood to help people in need free of charge.

3) They provide stored cord blood for medical research (sometimes at a profit).

Public Cord Blood Banks – Cons:

1) Like any transplant, finding a suitable match can sometimes be a challenge.

2) There is no guarantee that the cord blood you donated or a suitable match will be available if a family member should need it.

3) Even if a match is found, there is a higher chance of rejection when receiving cord blood from non-relatives.

Private Cord Blood Banks – Cons:

1) For genetic diseases, a transfusion using a person’s own cord blood may not be sufficient.

2) There is a fee for collection and storage.

3) Doesn’t serve the

Cord Blood Banking: Life Gets Better

For years, doctors have discarded the umbilical cord and the placenta after delivery without realizing the immense potential these organs have! Things are changing now, people today are more aware of the latest developments in science and technology and more and more people are taking cord blood banking seriously.

Regardless of what some people say, extracting cord blood from the umbilical cord for your baby and storing it in a cord blood bank is not harmful for you and your baby. The cord blood is drained after your baby is delivered and the umbilical cord is disconnected from your baby. But, why umbilical cord blood? The reason is though bone marrow can supply stem cells, the quality and quantity is a lot better in the umbilical cord. Besides, if a person has his own stem cells, he does not have to depend on others for donation. He is his own donor in cases of emergency. It is not necessary that his siblings with the similar genetic set up will be near him all the time. The cord blood you had preserved for him will be his savior. Speaking of siblings, have you ever thought that the cord blood that you have saved and stored in a cord blood bank could actually be of great use to the older siblings your baby may already have.

Incase you are worrying about the expenses of saving your baby’s cord blood, a suggestion is that you can look at it as insurance for your family. And finally after a few years, if you see that your child is growing up with no health concern, you can choose to sell the cord blood to a needy family. Not interested in selling your baby’s cord blood? Ok, you can donate it too. Public cord blood donation banks take cord blood for donations. Your baby’s cord blood will bring smiles to many faces!

Ok, you have decided in favor of cord blood banking. But which are the diseases which can be treated. Stem cells are being used to treat numerous diseases. The specialty of stem cells is that it can adjust anywhere. Here are some diseases which can be cured by cord blood stem cells.

Acute Leukemia

Chronic Leukemia

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Stem Cell Disorders

Myeloproliferative Disorders

Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Phagocyte Disorders

Liposomal Storage Diseases

Histiocytic Disorders

Inherited Erythrocyte Abnormalities

Congenital (Inherited) Immune System

Disorders

Other Inherited Disorders

Inherited Platelet Abnormalities,

Plasma Cell Disorders

Autoimmune Diseases

Brain Tumors

Ewing Sarcoma

Neuroblastoma

Ovarian Cancer

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Testicular Cancer.

Cord blood banking is a relatively new concept. Research is being made on how to utilize it effectively for the benefit of mankind. If you are not interested in preserving your umbilical cord blood for your family in a private cord blood bank, you can donate it for research. Cord blood banking is picking up with every passing day. Would you like to be a part of the revolution?

Cord Blood Collection: Get your Basics Right

We all know the importance of the umbilical cord during pregnancy and baby development. But did you know that this cord is also useful after the baby is born? Yes, for ages, this cord and the placenta have been discarded after birth. But, not any longer. Around 30 years ago that researchers confirmed the life saving potential these ignored organs have. The blood extracted from it, referred to as the umbilical cord blood or just cord blood, is rich in stem cells. These very stems cells can save your child’s life and may be even her sibling’s as well, if preserved properly. It has been proved that the umbilical cord blood stem cells are of higher quality than those extracted from the bone marrow.

Cord blood collection is not a painful process. Neither you nor your baby will be hurt during the process of collecting the cord blood. The simple reason being that the blood is collected after the baby and the placenta is delivered. The umbilical cord is clamped and then only the cord blood is collected in specialized bags. The entire process takes no longer than 10 minutes and in most cases, the mother is busy adoring her baby during that time. However, there are some points that you need to remember so that the cord blood collection procedure is successful. Points To Remember

Cord Blood Research : Reversing Effects Of Critical Diseases From Human Life

With every advancement in the field of cord blood research, the chances of recovery from fatal diseases increases. Hints of latent curing abilities in umbilical cords have made it the subject of microscopic observation for researchers worldwide. Since discovery, its hematopoietic properties have encouraged researchers to take up a number of researches and find its viabilities in a number of diseases.
Earlier researches have already come up with huge success in finding and implementing these stem cells in a number of diseases. Leukemia, child cancers, some forms of blindness, spinal cord injuries, heart attack and strokes are to name a few of them. As scientists put in more emphasis to carry out researches on stem cells, extracted from newborns umbilical cord, the future of medical sciences and human lives point out to a new ray of hope in combating challenging diseases.
Umbilical Cord blood Stem Cell Researches For Childrens Diseases
Cord blood cells are used in replacing failed blood cells in the human body. Statistics reveal that around six thousand patients across the world have received stem cell transplants until date. As per U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the procedures of transplants have been experimental. These stem cell researches have come up with positive impacts in myriad children ailments.
According to the University of Minnesota Medical Center and the University of Minnesota Childrens Hospital in Fairview, cord blood research has directed new horizons in treating children with leukemia, failure in bone marrow, storage disease and several immunodeficiency disorders. Recent discoveries have lead to devising strategies for more advanced uses of cells, namely, the expansion of stem cells. This new treatment strategy involves expanding stem cells and co-transplanting of stromal cells or the cells referred as nursing cells of the bone marrow.
Pre implantation genetic diagnosis is another latest discovery brainstormed by the professor of Department of Pediatrics from University of Minnesota and one of the worlds recognized experts of cord blood transplant, John Wagner. This pre implantation genetic diagnosis is said to be helpful in identifying healthy sibling donors in a family, especially in treating children ailing from Fanconi Anemia, thalassemia, sickle cell diseases, Hurlers syndrome and a host of genetic diseases.
Recovery Due To Stem Cells Transplant
Cord blood research has led adults diseases to come up with positive outcome. Though umbilical stem cells have been mainly used for children leukemia for years, but when a team of researchers attempted to transplant the cells in adults leukemia treatment, they ended up with remarkable success. Here are some instances of cord blood transplantation success:
A patient was diagnosed with adult leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia or CML and was dependent on the Chemotherapy treatment in 1995. In 1997, as he pursued a clinical trial of cord blood cell transplantation, he showed an instance of complete recovery, making the patient cancer free for over nine years!
Another significant achievement of this research on adults was perceived in a patient of 37 years, suffering from severe spinal cord injuries. The patient who was for years paralyzed owing to injury, was injected stem cells precisely at the particular area of her spine injury. After three weeks of therapy, she was able to walk with the assistance and at present, she manages to walk with no aid.
With numerous achievements stemming from cord blood research, parents should consider preservation to find greater chances of survival from life threatening disorders.

Free Cord Blood Storage Program for Wounded Military

Stork Medical, which provides storage of Cord Blood Stem Cells, recently announced a $60,000,000 charity program for the United States military. Stork Medical is not only giving away cord blood storage to soldiers who have sustained spinal cord or brain injuries while serving our country, but also offering every current and former soldier large discounts to honor their service.

A newborn’s cord blood is rich in stem cells. These cells, are often stored in case the baby or a blood related relative needs them later in life. The closer the blood relation to the baby, the more likely that these cells will be helpful. They are currently used to treat over seventy diseases, and the list is growing. In fact, a recent episode of NBC’s Today Show credited these cells for curing a child’s cerebral palsy. Currently, these cells are best known for being the best treatment of leukemia. It is a strongly believed by some, that stem cells will one day provide treatment for spinal cord injury, breast cancer, burns, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, heart attack, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and numerous other dreadful illnesses.

Doctor Jonathan Liss, founder of Stork Medical, hopes that stem cells will one day be used to treat today’s battlefield injuries and tomorrows illnesses from chemical exposures. To help this become a reality, Stork Medical is trying to make cord blood storage affordable to everyone who has served our country. Dr. Liss noted the heart wrenching story of Veteran Coy Thomas, who fought in the jungles of Vietnam, and is now searching public donation banks to find a close enough cord blood match to treat the leukemia he has developed from exposure to Agent Orange.

The Benefits of Cord Blood Banking

The primary benefit to cord blood banking is that it provides a type of medical insurance. This insurance is not from a financial prospective, but rather takes the form of having the necessary medical building blocks available should they be needed in the event of certain illnesses and diseases. Those medical building blocks are the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood.

In the past 5 or 6 years, there have been dramatic medical advances in the arena of stem cell research, and more discoveries are announced practically every month. Many doctors and researchers see great potential in the use of stem cells to reverse or cure many severe, life-threatening diseases. With these facts in mind, many parents are choosing to preserve the stems cells found in umbilical cord blood after birth. There are no health risks in doing so. The primary risk is that the yearly $100 fee for storage will be wasted in the event that the stem cells are never needed.

More and more parents are taking notice of the advances in stem cell research. Here are some highlights:

Transplant science is constantly improving. Several companies are bringing to market methods of

Cord Blood Collection - Some Basic Information

Inadequate knowledge about cord blood collection, processing and cord blood storage is pushing many new parents away from donating their babies’ cord blood cells. Hence, comprehensive information on steps of collection, processing and storage of cord blood cells is required to educate them and help them release their fear of unknown risks, if any, involved in the methods. Cord blood collection methods, whether post or pre delivery do not expose the child or the mother to any risk and pain. With all the miraculous therapeutic benefits of cord blood cells, a once disposable umbilical cord is now worthy of being stored to retrieve the diverse life saving opportunities from it.

Types Of Blood Cord Collection Methods

Cord blood storage follows two prior steps:

Collection

Processing

First and foremost is the blood cell collection. There are two methods. Both are considered equally safe. Collection methods vary according to the period of collection

Cord Blood Banking: Should you Bank your Baby

Cord blood banking is a relatively new concept. It is only in the last ten years that parents have seriously begun to bank their baby’s cord blood. While the practice of banking cord blood is still not common it is becoming more popular as people begin to learn about its benefits.

Cord blood is the blood that remains in umbilical cord after a live birth. Currently the umbilical cord along with the placenta and associated blood are all discarded after birth. Cord blood stem cells have more extensive uses than bone marrow stem cells and do not face the controversy that is associated with embryonic stem cell research.

Cord blood stem cells can develop into various types of cells such as muscle, nerve or blood cells. Since these cells can regenerate immune system and repair damaged cells, they have the potential to treat heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson disease.

Cord blood may indeed be the way of the future. Currently, it can treat more than 75 diseases, immune deficiencies and other conditions. It is effective for treatment of certain types of cancer, blood disorders and auto-immune diseases. The cord blood can be used not only by your child, but also other family members.

In recent stem cell breakthroughs, researchers were able to develop bone and cartilage, and grow mini liver and lung cells from cord blood stem cells. These cells can potentially be transplanted into the body to repair damaged organs, thus overcoming the severe shortages of organ donors. Researches are hopeful that cord blood stem cell transplant can regenerate into organs inside or outside the body and saves many lives. There is less chance of the body rejecting the new organ regenerated from your own cord blood.

There are 2 types of cord blood banks: private and public. If you want to bank your baby’s cord blood for use by your child or other family members, then you should choose a private cord blood bank. However, private cord blood banking can be costly as you have to pay for the cord blood collection process and annual storage fees. There are cases you should consider storing cord blood privately. Parents of children of ethnic minorities are encouraged to bank their baby’s cord blood as it is difficult to find bone marrow match. Private cord blood banking is also recommended where there’s a family history to diseases only treatable with cord blood.

Cord blood stored in a public bank can be used by anyone who needs it.

If you decide to bank your newborn’s cord blood, you will need to choose a cord blood bank ahead of the birth, typically at least a month or two before the due date. Once you fill out the paperwork and inform your doctor and hospital about the decision. Many hospitals are not equipped to handle this immediate cord blood collection at the birth and special arrangements may need to be made. The cord blood will be collected and returned to the bank of your choice to be stored for later use if needed.

Cord Blood - The Future of Medicine

If you remember your Biology classes, you would recall that cells are the building blocks that make up an organism. While most cells have a designated purpose (such as heart cells that merge to form the heart, or kidney cells that combine to form a kidney), there are others, such as stem cells that have the distinct capability to adjust and adapt to other cells to promote new and healthy growth along certain cells all through the body.

1. Treatment

The medicine obtained from these stem cells (or cellular medicines), can be used to repair or replace cells that are diseased or damaged. Specifically, stem cells can cure or treat the following:

- Red blood cell diseases
- White blood cell diseases
- Cancers
- Tissue (such as heart tissue)

There are various kinds of stem cells; the bone marrow is an example. However, the umbilical cord blood is considered the premier source of stem cells.

2. What Is Cord Blood?

Cord blood is the extra human blood left over following childbirth. Cord blood, from the umbilical cord and the placenta, is exceptional because of the abundant blood-forming stem cells that it contains and the advantages that it has over other types of stem cells.

- Cord blood is a rich source of stem cells
- Cord blood stem cells replicates more as compared with other types of stem cells
- Cord blood stem cells can be used to treat several diseases among children and adults
- Cord blood offers a definite match – there is no risk of rejection when you use your own blood
- Cord blood has a higher possibility of matching family members
- Cord blood offers a considerably lower chance of graft vs. host disease
- Studies in cell expansion technology are now being conducted to assess the possibility of allowing stem cells from a single cord blood unit to be used several times and for numerous family members

3. How Is Cord Blood Collected?

After the placenta and umbilical cord is separated from the newborn, they are placed in a disinfected supporting structure, the umbilical cord suspended through the support. The cord blood is then collected by gravity drainage that can yield as much as 99 mL (on average).

Once collected, the cord blood is taken to a cord blood bank where they are processed analyzed for infectious agents, as well as determining their tissue-type. The cord blood must meet the following standards before they are allowed to be stored:

- The cord blood must be of considerable amount
- The family health history must meet eligibility guidelines, and they must show no signs of infection or other possible problems

If the cord blood unit meets these standards, it is processed and depleted of red blood cells before being cryopreserved (that is, being frozen and stored in a liquid nitrogen freezer). The cord blood unit is then included on the cord blood bank’s list, where it will be searched for a matching recipient and then transplanted. Studies are continuously being conducted to determine the storage life of cord blood, but initial reports show that a good cord blood can be stored up to ten years before it expires.

4. Costs

As of 2005, private cord blood banks charge prices ranging from $1290-$2000 for collection (which involves enrollment and processing) and around $95-$100 per year for storage of cord blood reserved for private use. On the other hand, there is no cost for donating cord blood – the cord blood bank will cover the cost of processing and storing the donated cord blood unit. But because cord blood banking is somewhat new, cord blood banks are available only in limited communities. In areas where they are not available, doctors (the OB/GYN) still charge a fee that ranges from $100-$250.

There are university hospitals and medical centers that offer programs where cord blood banking is free if you meet their eligibility requirements. This consists of having a child with a transplantable condition or a prenatal diagnosis that shows a high risk of having a transplantable condition.

4. Cord Blood Usage

When needed, the cryopreserved cord blood is defrosted and the cryoprotectant washed off, before it is injected through a vein of the patient. Studies show the potential of using the blood-forming cells from cord blood as a new method for treating patients with life-threatening diseases. Since 1988, they have been used for the treatment of various diseases and disorders, such as the following:

- Blood disorders (Anemia)
- Cancer (Lung cancer, Ovarian cancer, Brain tumor)
- Bone marrow failure syndromes (Leukemia)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Immunodeficiency (Severe combined immunodeficiency or SCID)
- Inborn errors of metabolism

At present, cord blood is utilized in the treatment of over 40 life-threatening diseases. There are, however, a lot of things that we still don’t know yet, and research is still ongoing in the hopes of discovering them. There are also ethical considerations to consider, but far less than embryonic or fetal research.

Cord Blood Banking - A Basic Explanation

Cord blood banking refers to the storage, public or private, of umbilical cord blood, which may be used to treat certain diseases of the blood and immune system. Once a baby has been born, he or she no longer needs the blood that remains in the umbilical cord. Until recently, that blood was disposed of, but now that we know it can save lives, cord blood banking has become an acceptable practice in the medical community.
Cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which means this blood can form white or red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. While this is similar to the make-up of bone marrow, because cord blood transplants don’t require a perfect match the way bone marrow transplants do, it can be used in transplants in much the same way bone marrow is; only with less chance of rejection. This means that more people can benefit from these transplants in a shorter time span instead of waiting years for a compatible donor.
Cord blood is collected immediately after the birth of the baby. If collected in-utero, it is collected after the baby is delivered but before the placenta has been delivered. Ex-utero cord blood collection refers to the collection of the umbilical cord blood after both the baby and the placenta has been delivered. There are no health risks associated with cord blood collection, either to the mother or the newborn.
Common methods of cord blood collection include inserting a syringe into the umbilical cord and drawing out the cord blood, or allowing the blood to drain into a sterile bag after the cord has been elevated. This procedure can be performed with either a vaginal delivery or Caesarean Section. However, it must be done immediately after the birth and processed within 24 – 48 hours.
This processing includes routine testing, including testing for HIV and Hepatitis B and C. The cord blood is then stored frozen, ready for use. While studies for expiration dates are still ongoing, the New York Blood Center’s National Cord Blood Program (NCBP) has used cord blood in transplants that has been stored up to 10 years with the same results as cord blood used in transplants right after processing. Thus, while we have passed the 10 year milestone, it may be some time before we know exactly how long frozen umbilical cord blood is viable for transplanting.
According to the NCBP, more than 70 different diseases have been treated with cord blood so far. These include different types of leukemia, Fanconi’s anemia, Hodgkin’s disease, sickle cell disease, lymphomas, and many others. Because cord blood is collected in advance, tested, and ready for use, it offers several advantages over a bone marrow transplant, in addition to the fact that cord blood recipients don’t have to be a perfect match the way bone marrow recipients do.
There are both public and private cord blood banks. Public cord blood banks store cord blood for the benefit of the general public while private cord blood banks store umbilical cord blood for the benefit of the donor or his or her family. With a public cord blood bank, once all the testing is completed, all traces of the donor are eliminated, so there is no chance for anyone to request or receive a particular donor’s cord blood.
Public cord blood banks are not-for-profit and donors pay no storage fees while private cord blood banks charge storage fees, as well as processing and collection fees. However, it is worth it to those who choose to go this route as they are assured of a perfect match should their baby need a transplant later on. It is certainly a viable option for those who have a baby with a transplantable condition or who may be at a high risk for such a condition.

Cord Blood ? Storing your Newborn?s Stem Cells

Cord blood cells show better chances of matching family members’ genetic type than stem cells retrieved from bone marrow. Researches have established that parents and siblings both carry 25% more chances of match with the cord blood cells of newborns. Furthermore, importance of therapeutic benefits found in cord blood cells is being strongly felt in treating various malignancies, immune diseases, metabolic disorders. Benefits are still emerging through scientific breakthroughs and are awakening more parents to consider cord blood storage in a cord blood banking facility especially when it is absolutely harmless and painless!

Why Do You Need To Preserve Your Newborns’ Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells?

Cord blood stem cells in umbilical cord of the placenta are found to be enriched with hematopoietic stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are the progenitor cells which, unlike embryonic stem cells, can develop into any type of human cells. These progenitor cells are capable of forming cells ranging from red blood cells, white blood cells to platelets, therefore, they can be used in treating diseases of immune and blood system. As of now, more than 70 diseases can be treated by the stem cells extracted from the umbilical cord. Some of the diseases are leukemia, Fanconi Anemia, Krabbe disease, etc. By preserving your baby’s cord blood, you are actually saving your child from the dangers of waiting for matching donors during emergencies.

How Is Umbilical Cord Blood Collected?

The process of collecting cord blood cells entail no danger and can be done before and after delivery of the placenta. Cord blood collection before the placenta delivered is termed

Why Store Cord Blood in a Cord Blood Bank?

the umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells that have the potential to help in the treatment of around 50 serious diseases. Some of them include leukemia, genetic and immune disorders, cardio vascular diseases, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, and several cancers.

There are three kinds of people in this world, who opt for cord blood storage or cord blood banking:

The first ones are the families who crave for comfort and assurance that cord blood banking provides. Should the need arise; they have their baby’s cord blood readily available.

The second ones are the people who are excited with this new discovery and wish to become a part of the stem cell revolution.

The third ones are people who are in need of cord blood to treat their family members who are in grave medical condition.

The umbilical cord blood contains the same hematopoietic stem cells found in bone marrow. These stem cells are elemental constituents of blood and immune system of the body.

Do you know that every year, about 14,000 people in America alone need a bone marrow transplant for treating their diseases? And the scary part is that not everyone is ready to give their bone marrow, therefore, there is a constant dearth of donors. As it’s said,

Are Misconceptions Making you Apprehensive About Cord Blood Banking?

Cord blood banking is a newly emergent technology in medical science to use cord blood cells of placenta for treating multiple diseases. This new technology has sparked apprehensiveness among people due to existing misconceptions about cord blood banking. Even though latest researches in umbilical cord blood cells are pointing to new ways in treating malignant diseases like cancers, few misconceptions are blinding people from the benefits of preserving these cells. Therefore, a clear margin must be drawn to distinguish misconceptions and facts about cord blood preservation.

The arrival of a newborn in a family can help you preserve lifesaving resources for the benefits of both your baby and your family. These stem cells can heal about 75 fatal diseases of blood cells and immune system and recently, have shown effectiveness in curing heart diseases, diabetes, cancers, etc. Prior to discovering benefits, blood cells in babies’ umbilical cords were put to trash. Now these blood cells are collected and stored. Some misleading ideas are putting off parents from considering cord blood banking, causing inadequate storage of resources and unavailability of cells in transplants.

Misconceptions about Cord Blood Storage

Doctors do not treat children with their own stem cells, as they may contain diseases. On the contrary, such autologous stem cell transplants have shown several advantages including low risk of graft vs. host disease, which is a primary cause of death among transplant patients.

If the family has not had any history of cancer illness, then the babies or the siblings may not require stem cell. Facts claim certain types of cancers that growing at an alarming pace and have been found to infect about many children by around fifteen years regardless of family history. Therefore, cord blood banking acts as an additional safeguard for the babies in your family.

If public cord blood bank provides the cells in need, there is no need for cord blood banking of the cells taken from your babies. It is not just about availability. During transplants, the genetic make up of the patient is also considered. Donating your baby’s cord blood ensures that the chances of genetic mismatch in times of emergency are greatly reduced. Moreover, umbilical cord blood cells are less mature and have fifty per cent more chances of HLA matches between siblings; this is why, privately stored cord blood cells can provide immense quantity of lifesaving cells for your family in need.

Umbilical Cord blood collection can hurt the newborn baby and can even cause a blood deficiency. This is wrong. Umbilical cord blood collection cannot harm your baby in any way. It is collected from the placenta only after your baby is detached from the mother. Neither the mother nor the baby can feel the blood being drained from the placenta and the umbilical cord.

Cord blood banks accept any type of blood from the donors. If the blood units are mixed, the patient runs a risk of infection. Here again, it is important to say that not all the blood cells are considered eligible due to the medical history, maternal history, collection volume of the samples etc. When the parents agree for a cord blood registry, they undergo a series of tests to ensure that the blood is fit for storage. Even if there are any complications during pregnancy, the plan for cord blood collection is immediately abandoned. Studies state that around 71 per cent of samples are rejected.

No one can plan a foolproof safeguard for deadly diseases, but cord blood banking can still give us the security to save our dear family members.

Basics of Cord Blood and Its Collection

Cord blood is the blood which is extracted from the umbilical cord and the placenta after a baby’s birth. It is rich in blood forming cells. These cells are called stem cells. Research has proved that stem cells can be used to effectively treat various diseases which were earlier regarded as difficult to cure.

The cord blood from the umbilical cord can not be collected unless the mother gives a written permission. After the mother has found a cord blood bank of her choice, she has to undergo extensive paperwork at the cord blood bank. However, just her consent is not enough. She has to undergo various tests to ensure that her blood is fit for preservation and whether there are any genetic abnormalities.

If the cord blood is being collected by a private cord blood bank, the family preserving the blood has the sole right to the cord blood unit. However, if it is a public cord blood bank, parents are not guaranteed that the blood they get in case of a treatment will be theirs. At this point, the mother is assured that neither she nor her baby’s identity will ever be revealed in case of the blood being donated to someone else.

The collection of cord blood is the responsibility of the cord blood bank or cord blood registry. An important issue here is that if there is any complication during pregnancy or the delivery. The umbilical cord blood is not collected. Besides, the quantity matters too. If the blood in the placenta is too less, the plan for cord blood collection is abandoned. Usually, a single unit of cord blood is around three to five ounces. Less cord blood collected, means less stem cells.

The mother and the baby are not affected in anyway during the cord blood collection. The blood is drained after the delivery and after the umbilical cord is clamped. The entire process normally takes 10 to 15 minutes, but not more than that.

Cord blood banking is a relatively new concept and as of now, records say that stem cells have been effectively used 15 years after preservation. Though experts claim that stem cells, if preserved well, can be preserved forever, there is no evidence to prove this.

Cord blood banking is an expensive affair. Not many parents are sure whether they want to go ahead with the preservation, thinking about the expenses. After all, if their child or its siblings require a transplant, the age old process of bone marrow is always available. Experts here claim that the stem cells in the cord blood are richer than the ones in the bone marrow. This argument can be challenged by the fact that bone marrow transplants do not face the

How to Choose a Proper Cord Blood Bank

With continuous advancements in cord blood researches, expectant parents should give a serious thought to storing blood cells in a cord blood bank. Choose an appropriate and accredited storage center to preserve the valuable stem cells found in the umbilical cord of your baby. Previously what was being thrown away after clamping and cutting off the cord has now become an inevitable resource to combat life-threatening ailments. However, inefficiency of cord blood banking companies often confuses families and distracts from cord blood banking. Therefore, an authentic storage center with large storage capacity and other facilities is the need of the hour in the accumulation and supply of stem cells.

Factors To Watch Out For In Choosing A Cord Blood Cell Storage Center

Growing number of storage centers in America are catering to the need for storing umbilical cord blood stem cells. People may expect to pay around $1,500 as initial payments and thereafter, $100 as annual payment. Some organizations enable donors to save as much as $500 on their total expenses of cord blood stem cell banking. Though the cost of cord blood registry seems to be unaffordable by most of the donors, this expensive investment can help you give your family a safeguard in the face of major ailments.

Some companies have their own infrastructure to support storage facility, while other companies may use third parties’ support to store your samples. Using the second type to bank blood cord cells is not prohibited, but, be certain that you have sufficient details of the bank that preserves your samples.

Before you decide to use a company’s storage services, check out their records to ensure incidences of transplants where their stored cord blood samples have been used. The ultimate goal of cord blood registry is to be used in the transplants. Hence, donors must check the records to find how frequently and efficiently the storage center has used their samples. Different methods of storage bring different levels of success in transplants. Therefore, enquire about the methods followed by the company in storing and processing of cord blood cells.

It is necessary to get your samples approved by the hospitals for transfusing. Hospitals will not find cord blood samples viable if the storage center is not an accredited company.

Opt for an umbilical cord blood bank that is certified by the AABB. Blood banks certified by the American Association of Blood Banks

Cord Blood Banking ? Should I? Should I Not?

Should i? Should I not?

From the 1st day you met your babies, you will probably be delighted with all the surprises your little one is giving you everyday. Your child’s first smiles, first steps, first word, birthday parties, sports events, holidays and life milestones. You will probably be planning their futures with visions on what they will become. Your little one ever becoming seriously ill will probably be the last thing on your mind.

But some parents do consider the possibility that a serious illness that might be inborn or might someday affect their child. They make a choice on the day their baby is born that might impact the future health of that child or even their other children. They’re deciding to bank their newborn’s cord blood.

So, what is cord-blood banking, and is it right for you?

The blood that remains in your baby’s umbilical cord after it has been cut is rich in stem cells. These valuable newborn stem cells are genetically unique to your baby and family and can only be collected in the minutes after your baby’s birth.

What are blood-forming stem cells? These are primitive (early) cells found primarily in the bone marrow that are capable of developing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Cord-blood stem cells may also have the potential to give rise to other cell types in the body.

How is the cord blood collected?

Collection of the cord blood takes place shortly after birth. It’s done using a specific kit that parents must order ahead of time from their chosen cord-blood bank.

After a vaginal delivery, the umbilical cord is clamped on both sides and cut. In most cases, an experienced obstetrician or nurse collects the cord blood before the placenta is delivered. One side of the umbilical cord is unclamped, and a small tube is passed into the umbilical vein to collect the blood. After blood has been collected from the cord, needles are placed on the side of the surface of the placenta that was connected to the fetus to collect more blood and cells from the large blood vessels that fed the fetus.

During cesarean births, cord-blood collection is more complicated because the obstetrician’s primary focus in the operating room is tending to the surgical concerns of the mother. However, less cord blood is usually collected when delivery is by c-section. The amount collected is important because the more blood collected, the more stem cells collected.

After cord-blood collection has taken place, the blood is couriered to the cord-blood bank on the same day. Once there, the stem cells are separated from the rest of the blood and are stored frozen in liquid nitrogen) in a cord-blood bank. Then, if needed, blood-forming stem cells can be thawed and used.

How long can blood-forming stem cells last when properly stored?

Theoretically, stem cells should last forever, but cord-blood research has only been ongoing since the 1970s, so the maximum time for storage and potential usage are still being determined. Blood-forming stem cells that have been stored for more than a decade have been used successfully in transplants.

By banking your baby’s cord blood stem cells you could benefit from breakthrough uses and be prepared for the unknowns in life. Stem cells are showing promise in the treatment of brain injury and juvenile diabetes and have already been used to treat nearly 70 diseases, saving many lives.

Even tough no cord blood banking organization will be able to guarantee whether the cord blood bank with them can definitely be used when needed, but its still a hope. I called it a life insurance.

Here are a few questions to consider before choosing a cord-blood bank:

 

Stories of Lives Saved by Cord Blood

The advancements of medicine and technology are saving lives each year that would otherwise be lost to disease or medical disorder. Each year, more and more children are living through potentially terminal diseases and battling their way back to health with help of cord blood. Cord blood is found within the umbilical cord and preserved upon the birth of the child. Since the blood contains stem cells, numerous diseases and disorders are successfully treated and even cured through transplants. Parents today are choosing to either bank cord blood for future use or donate their newborn’s cord blood so that ill children can take advantage of this life-saving blood.

An inspiring case is that of siblings Ashley and Kelvin J. of Maryland. These two children were both born with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome that is usually terminal, since the body’s immune system cannot fend off the germs that would otherwise be harmless to a healthy body. Projected life span for children diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCIDS) is approximately six months; however, both Ashley and Kelvin received a transplant of cord blood from anonymous donors whose cord blood was donated to public blood banks.

Another story that shows the success of using cord blood to treat potentially deadly diseases and disorders is that of brothers Blayke and Garrett L. of Los Angeles. Born three years apart, both boys developed a rare disorder known as lymphoproliferative disease. Blayke and Garrett’s immune systems were unable to successfully fight off germs commonly found in the world around them. Generally, at a very early age children diagnosed with lymphoproliferative disease develop mononucleosis, a potentially fatal disease that individuals with a working immune system commonly recover from. Again, thanks to the donation of cord blood from an anonymous donor, both boys are now living happy and healthy lives due to a blood transplant. If this option was not available, the young brothers’ only hope would be a painful and complicated bone marrow transplant that would not have had the same success rate as the cord blood transplant.

In addition to children using donated cord blood to survive the odds, more and more children are using their own cord blood to treat or cure diseases or medical disorders. These diseases are disorders may be present before birth or be developed after birth, but regardless the case, cord blood is an excellent tool in the fight to preserve life. A recent study at Duke University involved children diagnosed with Krabbe’s disease

Pros and Cons of Banking Cord Blood

Many parents choose to bank cord blood from their newborn child to try to protect their future health. This practice is becoming more and more popular, especially in recent years, as the baby’s umbilical cord blood contains stem cells, which have been a recent focus of the news media. Stem cells are cells that lack any predestination, meaning they can be used for anything. A stem cell can become a nerve cell, blood cell, bone cell, or anything in between. Instead of discarded cord blood in the delivery room, as was practiced in the past, many parents now make the investment to bank cord blood for the future. As an alternative to storing your child’s cord blood, many parents also choose to donate the cord blood to a cord blood registry or for research purposes in an effort to cure diseases and better understand the workings of the human body.

When making the decision to bank cord blood, consider weighing the following pros and cons provided by the informative Web site Should You Bank Cord Blood in order to make a clear, well-informed choice:

Pros:

Donation Solutions: In the event of your child

Should You Bank Cord Blood?

there are many decisions that must be made involving their birth and health care. A major choice that all expecting parents face is whether or not to bank cord blood from their newborn for the future. With the advancement of technology and medicine, parents are finding there are more and more decisions that must be made regarding their child’s health for today and tomorrow.

Your child’s umbilical cord blood contains special cells known as stem cells. While stem cell research is a controversial topic, the controversy relates to the use of cells from aborted fetuses and not your own living child. The stem cells found in cord blood are proven to be precious when treating a child or sibling for potentially deadly diseases and medical disorders. These stem cells have yet to have their use determined, meaning they can become any cell needed in the body, from blood cells to bone cells. Since children that come from the same mother and father share genetic material, this cord blood containing the stem cells can be used to treat all children in a family for these diseases, including leukemia and sickle cell anemia.

With these technological and medical breakthroughs, and the promise of more breakthroughs on the horizon, more and more doctors are recommending that parents bank cord blood as a lifelong from of insurance. When discussing al the other medical information and decisions involving your child’s birth, parents should be sure to inquire about the need for banking umbilical cord blood, since the decision needs to be made before the child is born in order to preserve the previous blood inside the umbilical cord. There is a great deal of evidence supporting arguments on both sides of the fence, so it is imperative to get the professional opinion of your specific doctor and other trusted sources.

According to the informative Web site Should You Bank Cord Blood, regardless of the form of birth, the nurses and doctors in the room will be able to easily collect your child’s cord blood. After the cord blood has been collected, it is them cryogenically frozen in a professional storage facility known as a cord blood bank. It is still unknown the lifespan of these cells once cryogenically frozen, but the first cord blood was banked during the 1970s and is still viable today. As the years and technology progress, there may be more medical issues that can be treated or cured with cord blood.

Keep in mind that the need to bank cord blood may not be for everyone. The American Association of Pediatrics has gone so far as to recommend that families not bank cord blood if there is no family history of diseases that can be treated with cord blood, although every case is looked at on an individual basis. The sheer price of preserving and storing your child’s umbilical cord blood may be out of reach for many parents, so these negatives must be weighed with the positive. If your child is showing signs of a disease or disorder that can be treated with cord blood or you have another child that needs the life-saving cord blood, the price will be greatly warranted. Generally speaking, cord blood is infrequently used with siblings, but is priceless if it is ever needed. Furthermore, as technology advances, the cord blood may be able to be used for more diseases, disorders, and medical conditions for your child today and tomorrow. Although today adults over about 115 pounds can be treated successfully with cord blood, who knows what breakthroughs may take place tomorrow? Speaking with your doctor will be able to aid you in making an informed decision about banking cord blood that benefits your family.

Cord Blood Storage ? an Overview of Cord Blood Banking Process

After cord blood collection, the blood is saved in bags or vials; it is taken to the cord blood bank through courier service. Once it reaches the bank, the sample is rendered a unique identification number. Thereafter, the doctors separate the stem cells from the blood and store them cryogenically (by freezing them in liquid nitrogen). After that, when needed, the cord blood stem cells are unfreeze and utilized in either Allogeneic Procedures or Autologous Procedures.

Cryopreservation

During cord blood storage, each vial is labeled with cord blood number, name of the baby, date of birth, date of processing, and the contents. Then, it enters the first stage of cryopreservation. The vials are positioned in two cryo-tanks having different temperature and then are submerged into tanks containing liquid nitrogen. This step ensures the safety of stem cells. The series of falling temperature prevents the stem cells from undergoing a shock due to the intense negative temperature of – 32 degree Fahrenheit.

Freezing The Cord Blood- Liquid Nitrogen

To prevent ice crystals from forming over the stem cells, it is important to freeze the cells gradually. For this, a particular controlled-rate freezer is used. The handling processes and the freezers are designed to prevent

Factors Influencing The Decision To Store Cord Blood

Choices in Cord Blood Banking Factors Influencing Parental Decision Making Report ( http://www.bharatbook.com/Market-Research-Reports/Choices-in-Cord-Blood-Banking-Factors-Influencing-Parental-Decision-Making.html ) gives Importance of cord blood banking.  Cord blood banking is increasingly being used to improve and save lives. Stem cells derived from umbilical blood have been used in more than 8,000 transplants worldwide to treat a wide range of blood diseases, genetic and metabolic disorders, immunodeficiencies and various forms of cancer. However, many expectant parents still do not fully understand the significance of cord blood storage. A study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine shows that a third of expectant parents are unaware of the option to preserve cord blood. Of the two-thirds who have some knowledge, 74% describe themselves as “minimally informed.”  This market report uses end-user surveys of expectant parents and technology-derived data to determine the factors involved in parental-decision making. More than 1,200 expectation parents answered a 35-question online survey between Dec. 1, 2008 – Jan. 15, 2009. The report includes:  

Cord Blood: You Are Your Own Best Donor

When it comes to finding a donor for any medical issue, there are a number of problems and concerns. In most instances, individuals cannot find a proper match for their specific needs, leaving them unable to have a transplant. This is especially true with adoptive children who may not have biological siblings or other family members to check for matches, children without siblings or family members, and individuals of certain races or ethnicities that may not have access to other individuals of their race or ethnicity in their area. Even after a match is found, it is not guaranteed that the transplant will be a success, since the human body is conditioned to repel anything it deems “foreign,” even if the item will potentially save your life. Instead of having to worry about these concerns, imagine serving as your own donor, ensuring a perfect match every time and greatly diminishing the worry about rejection. For these many reasons, you may wish to bank cord blood.

According to the informative Web site Should You Bank Cord Blood, cord blood is the blood that is found within the umbilical cord at birth. The umbilical cord serves as a lifeline between mother and child, allowing nutrients to pass to the child in the womb. Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, which have the potential to treat and cure a host of diseases, from cancer to Parkinson’s. The unique healing aspects of stem cells revolve around the fact that these cells have yet to be given a specific role to play in the human body. These indeterminate cells have the ability to become any type of cell that the body decides it needs, whether it will become a blood cell, bone cell, muscle cell, or any other cell imaginable, stem cells can transform into any cell most needed.

The reason why stem cells from cord blood work so well in transplants is because they take on the responsibility of the non-working cells they attempt to replace. For instance, in people suffering from leukemia, their body is no longer producing the appropriate number of white blood cells in their bone marrow. Before cord blood, leukemia patients must wait to find a bone marrow match and then undergo and transplant that may or may not work. Instead, the match is guaranteed, since the blood comes directly from your body, and the stem cells quickly translate into cells that will become properly working bone marrow to ensure production of white blood cells to fight the disease. Since stem cells can become any type of cells the body needs most, cord blood is used to treat and potentially cure numerous diseases and disorders, including sickle cell anemia and many forms of cancer, especially those affecting infants and children.

Since no donor is required, you do not have to suffer through the waiting period of seeing if a matching cord blood donor will be found. Treatment can begin immediately, allowing you a better chance for a complete recovery since the disease or disorder will not have taken a great hold on your body. Additionally, you can serve as a cord blood donor to your sick sibling using cord blood that is far more effective than anything else you can give to a brother or sister. Many parents choose to bank cord blood in order to treat another child who is experiencing problems

Why Stem Cells From Cord Blood Instead Of Bone Marrow?

There are several advantages of transplanting stem cells from cord blood instead of from bone marrow. There is also two disadvantages to doing so.

Here are the advantages:

1. Harvesting umbilical blood poses no risk to either mother or child. Conversely, a bone marrow donor must undergo anesthesia and is exposed to the risk of infection.

2. Umbilical blood can be stored in cryogenic freezers, ready for use as soon as it is needed, whereas the process of contacting and testing donors listed in a bone marrow registry takes weeks to months.
Umbilical blood units are stored and ready to use. It can take two months or more to find an unrelated bone marrow donor. An umbilical blood unit can be selected and delivered to the transplant center in less than a week. Your doctor may choose cord blood if you need a transplant quickly. This factor alone makes umbilical blood banking much more appealing.

3. The stem cells in umbilical blood are more primitive than those in bone marrow. As such, they carry much lower incidence of graft versus host disease (GVHD). Thus, cord blood transplants do not require a “perfect match” between the donor and the patient.
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication after an allogeneic transplant. GVHD can range from mild to life-threatening. Studies have found that after a cord blood transplant, fewer patients get GVHD than after bone marrow transplants. Patients in the studies who did get GVHD after a cord blood transplant tended to get less severe cases.

4. A close match between the patient and the donor or umbilical blood unit can improve a patient’s outcome after transplant. Even though a closely matched cord blood unit is preferred, clinical studies suggest the match do not have to be as close as is needed for bone marrow transplants. If you have an uncommon tissue type, your doctor may not find a closely matched adult bone marrow donor for you. However, a cord blood unit may be an option.

Here are the disadvantages of transplanting with umbilical blood:

1. The stem cells in cord blood are more primitive than those in bone marrow, and because of this the engraftment process takes longer with cord blood. During this time, the patient is vulnerable to infection for a longer period.

2. A typical umbilical blood harvest only contains enough stem cells to transplant a large child or small adult (weighing approx. 100 pounds). Researchers are developing methods of transplanting adults with cord blood, and this may not be a factor in the near future. When this process is common, cord blood banking will likely become standard procedure after birth.

Cord Blood Collection - Give a New Life

her umbilical cord blood. This is one of the most publicized exercises in today’s medical world. Young parents, mothers in particular are slowly becoming aware of the benefits of the blood found in the umbilical cord joining her with the baby. This umbilical cord blood is rich in life saving stem cells. These stem cells are the building blocks of your baby that can be a better savior of your child in times of need than the very cells that created her! Cord Blood Registry

If incurable diseases run in your family, or if you are from an ethnic minority in the country you are residing, preservation is the best thing you can do for your new born and her siblings. This procedure must be done well in advance. After consultation with your doctor, get in touch with the bank in your city or the one closest to your place of delivery. Ideally, you must apply for this procedure during your second trimester when your pregnancy is well confirmed. You have to undergo a series of medical tests to ensure that you do not have any abnormal genes or other blood related problems to be eligible for preservation. Once the results are out, the applicant is informed. If there is some anomaly, the applicant, the mother to be is advised to consult the doctor about the consequences. If the results are fine, the next step begins. Stem Cells Collection

The mother has to inform her doctor well in advance about her decision in order to avoid confusion in the birthing room. The mother has to carry the kit with her to the hospital when her labor pains start. If it is an elective cesarean, there should be no problems, but if it is an emergency C-section, the decision lies solely on the doctor whether the blood is fit for collection or not, based on the nature of the complication.

The entire process should be completed within 15 minutes of the placenta being delivered. If the cord blood collection is lesser or more than the required amount, the choice lies entirely with the mother whether she wants to donate the unit for scientific research. If there is an urgent need, umbilical cord blood unit may be preserved for stem cells multiplication. After the collection, the unit is couriered to the bank where the mother is registered. Here, the blood is tested again and preserved in highly specialized refrigerators for future use. The identity of the mother and the baby is kept confidential all the time.

This procedure is gaining in popularity in all developed nations in the world mainly because of the increase in the number of one-child families. There may soon be a time when a person will be looking out in vain for a matching donor. And this is when the decision of cord blood collection made by the parents today, will be a blessing.

Cord Blood Banks: Your Childs Future Could Count On It

Banking your newborns cord blood is something that every new parent should do for their newborn, and their family. If your child develops a disorder that affects the blood and immune system, or a cancer, or possibly has inherited a disorder, their umbilical cord blood stem cells can be used to treat them if need be. Immune systems terrorized by radiation and chemotherapy have a hard time battling disease and infection, however, just by using cord blood stem cells there chance is greater too rebuild a patient’s immune system.

Beyond even what you can think of, cord blood stem cells have played a role in treating over 70 known disorders. Besides guaranteeing a perfect match for the child that it came from, it can also aid in helping other siblings, you, or maybe even an ailing grandparent. When your baby is born you have options as to what you want to do with the cord blood. If you aren’t going to store it for your own baby, you may want to donate it so that it is available for public use. Whatever your decision, you should not let you’re the cord blood go to waste.

The primitive nature of cord blood stem cells makes them the most malleable; cord blood stem cells are where white blood cells that fight infection originate from. They are the beginning of all oxygen carrying red blood cells, and the important platelets that clot and heal. They are preferred over bone marrow stem cells for many reasons. The retrieval method causes no discomfort to either mom or baby, the match doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be successfully used, and there is even less of chance of a viral infection. There have been more than 45 malignant and non-malignant diseases in children and adults, including leukemias, and lymphomas treated with stem cell transplantation. There are currently hopes that stem cells will even one day treat Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Cord Blood Collection - Give Life Another Chance

The increasing popularity of cord blood collection all over the world is a very positive sign. What was regarded as a waste earlier is now considered most valuable after the delivery of the baby. Yes, I am referring to the umbilical cord blood and the placenta. It is the source of valuable stem cells that are required to cure dozens of diseases. Some Basics

The collection process in itself is a very quick 15 minutes job. However, the cord blood registry process can take a lot of time. It is suggested that the parents-to-be register at the nearest bank at least three to four months ahead of the delivery date. This process is not just filling an application form; it includes an extensive series of medical tests to ensure that the mother-to-be’s blood is free from infectious diseases and genetic abnormalities. Once the donor clears the medical tests, the registration process is completed. The mother is given the collection kit which she needs to carry with her to the delivery center. She needs to inform the doctor about her plans well in advance in order to avoid any confusion in the labor room. After the delivery, the umbilical cord blood is extracted and stored in specialized packets provided and the bank is informed. The bank sends its representative to collect the blood and couriers it to the preservation center.

A point to be noted here is that there is a minimum amount of blood stipulated for successful preservation. If the amount is less, then the decision lies with the mother whether she wants to continue with the collection or donate it for research. If the situation so requires, the stem cells collected can be processed for immediate use by another patient.

Cord blood collection is an important decision as it could either be a lifesaver for your child and its siblings or it could turn out to be just an expense for the next twenty years. Either way, people who go in for preservation, prefer to look at it as a family insurance. Fifteen years down the line, if you feel that your children have grown up without any problems and are not likely to need the cord blood unit, you can choose to sell it off via the cord blood bank to a needy person.

Benefits Of Cord Blood Banking

The primary benefit to cord blood banking is that it provides a type of medical insurance. This insurance is not from a financial prospective, but rather takes the form of having the necessary medical building blocks available should they be needed in the event of certain illnesses and diseases. Those medical building blocks are the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood.

In the past 5 or 6 years, there have been dramatic medical advances in the arena of stem cell research, and more discoveries are announced practically every month. Many doctors and researchers see great potential in the use of stem cells to reverse or cure many severe, life-threatening diseases. With these facts in mind, many parents are choosing to preserve the stems cells found in umbilical cord blood after birth. There are no health risks in doing so. The primary risk is that the yearly $100 fee for storage will be wasted in the event that the stem cells are never needed.

More and more parents are taking notice of the advances in stem cell research. Here are some highlights:

Transplant science is constantly improving. Several companies are bringing to market methods of “expanding” the stem cell population in the laboratory, and these methods are starting to be applied in clinical trials.

The evolution from pluripotent stem cells down to blood stem cells is currently poorly understood. The latest indication is that, under the right conditions, stem cells in cord blood can be teased to grow into other types of tissue besides blood. This would open up an entire new realm of potential treatment through the use of stem cells.

As a result of these advances, it is not unreasonable to hope that cord blood may eventually be used to treat a wider variety of auto-immune and degenerative diseases than is currently being done. If so, (and there are solid indications by researchers that this indeed is the case), it makes perfect sense to consider private cord blood banking.

The arguments in favor of private banking are several:

1. As today’s children grow up and some of them develop cancer as adults, autologous (self) cord blood transplants will become more common used. Pediatric cancers and adult cancers are completely different diseases at the cellular level (to learn more about cancer visit the website of the National Cancer Institute). While pediatric cancer patients rarely receive autologous transplants, among adult cancer patients the autologous transplants are more common than transplants from donors.

2. Recent news reports constantly announce new medical advances using stem cells. Future applications will probably include tissue repair to various organs of the body.

3. Families should consider is whether the odds given for the “average baby” apply to them. Some families do have a higher predisposition to cancer and immune disorders, and would be far more likely to benefit from cord blood banking than the statistics indicate.

4. If your family, especially your children, are of mixed ethnic background, it may be impossible to find an adult bone marrow donor who is a perfect match. In that event, cord blood from even a partially matched sibling would be invaluable if a stem cell transplant is necessary.

Cord Blood Stem Cells: The Beginning Of All Blood Cells

All stem cells are created equal but can all become superheroes with their own special powers. You have probably heard about the mystical power of cord blood. But did you know how they work and what makes the cord blood stem cells different than all of the other alternatives.
Stem cells, in general terms, represent the buds of all of the organ cells in the body. If the body had its own tool shed, it would have racks of these minute particles for all organs. In such a tool shed, you would only need to have one specimen of stem cell, because any time the cell divides, it creates more that have the equal power as the original cell, to remain a stem cell or become specialized for a particular organ. This is true for all stem cells except for blood, muscle, and nerve, which do not normally replicate themselves. To understand this point, it is important to learn about the types of these cells by purpose.
Types
The chief types are:
Pluripotent
Stromal
Hematopoietic
Pluripotent are capable of turning into any kind of cell making up the body. They are chiefly derived from human embryonic stem cells. In comparison, adult cells are capable of replicating themselves into more cells for the same purpose as the original cells in order to repair the organ tissue where they reside.
Stromal are a kind of cells that form bone, cartilage, fat, and fibrous connective tissue.
Hematopoietic create red and white blood cells and platelets. The latest research has shown some promise of hemapoietic capability to form other cells in the body in addition to blood cells. This type is found in baby cord blood and adult bone marrow.
Cord blood Stem cells
So what role does umbilical blood play. It is a rich repository of blood stem cells that can differentiate to create red and white blood cells and platelets, which are crucial in treating genetic diseases, cancers, and disorders of blood and immune system.
Compared to bone marrow, cord blood stem cells are easier to harvest because they are easily obtainable from placenta after delivery and so do not involve a surgical procedure. They can be put in a cord blood bank and easily prepared for use either for the donor or another recipient regardless of relationship.
Cord blood has already proven successful in treating leukemia, anemia, neuroblastoma, lymphoma, and many other blood and immune system diseases, cancers, and disorders. Scientists had been skeptical about using this blood on the sickened donors because of the bloods established genetic predisposition to become diseased, but recently Illinois doctors successfully treated leukemia through this route, proving the much anticipated fruitfulness of the banking cord blood.

Cord Blood Banking: A Medical Safety Net

The primary benefit to cord blood banking is that it provides a type of medical insurance. This insurance is not from a financial prospective, but rather takes the form of having the necessary medical building blocks available should they be needed in the event of certain illnesses and diseases. Those medical building blocks are the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood.

In the past 5 or 6 years, there have been dramatic medical advances in the arena of stem cell research, and more discoveries are announced practically every month. Many doctors and researchers see great potential in the use of stem cells to reverse or cure many severe, life-threatening diseases. With these facts in mind, many parents are choosing to preserve the stems cells found in umbilical cord blood after birth. There are no health risks in doing so. The primary risk is that the yearly $100 fee for storage will be wasted in the event that the stem cells are never needed.

More and more parents are taking notice of the advances in stem cell research. Here are some highlights:

Transplant science is constantly improving. Several companies are bringing to market methods of “expanding” the stem cell population in the laboratory, and these methods are starting to be applied in clinical trials.

The evolution from pluripotent stem cells down to blood stem cells is currently poorly understood. The latest indication is that, under the right conditions, stem cells in cord blood can be teased to grow into other types of tissue besides blood. This would open up an entire new realm of potential treatment through the use of stem cells.

As a result of these advances, it is not unreasonable to hope that cord blood may eventually be used to treat a wider variety of auto-immune and degenerative diseases than is currently being done. If so, (and there are solid indications by researchers that this indeed is the case), it makes perfect sense to consider private cord blood banking.

The arguments in favor of private banking are several:

1. As today’s children grow up and some of them develop cancer as adults, autologous (self) cord blood transplants will become more common used. Pediatric cancers and adult cancers are completely different diseases at the cellular level (to learn more about cancer visit the website of the National Cancer Institute). While pediatric cancer patients rarely receive autologous transplants, among adult cancer patients the autologous transplants are more common than transplants from donors.

2. Recent news reports constantly announce new medical advances using stem cells. Future applications will probably include tissue repair to various organs of the body.

3. Families should consider is whether the odds given for the “average baby” apply to them. Some families do have a higher predisposition to cancer and immune disorders, and would be far more likely to benefit from cord blood banking than the statistics indicate.

4. If your family, especially your children, are of mixed ethnic background, it may be impossible to find an adult bone marrow donor who is a perfect match. In that event, cord blood from even a partially matched sibling would be invaluable if a stem cell transplant is necessary.

All about Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Transplants

For the treatment of diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and many other diseases which can pose as threats to survival, the umbilical cord blood plays a vital role in healing them. A cord blood transplant is a viable option for the treatment of any such disease.

The flexible tissue which is located in the interior of the bones which is hollow is known as the bone marrow. Marrows produce new blood cells in adults. A bone marrow transplant provides one with healthy bone marrow stem cells. The process involves replacement of the bone marrow which does not work with the one that functions properly. Cord blood transplant is widely chosen over bone marrow transplantation.

Cord blood traces its root to the umbilical cord at the time of the birth of a newborn child, after the latter has been detached from the baby. The primary reason for the collection of cord blood is because it contains the very useful stem cells, which includes hematopoietic cells or cells that are capable of forming blood components in the human body. Some of the blood remains on the umbilical cord portion remaining attached to it. This additional blood is no longer required by the nascent baby. Cord blood consists of all the vital blood elements including the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Cord blood is therefore used for transplantation instead of bone marrow.

Cord blood transplantation is chosen and preferred because of the following reasons:

However, there are some drawbacks of choosing cord blood transplant as well. For instance, the number of blood forming cells in a cord blood unit may be lesser as compared to the patient size. Moreover, the engrafting time is longer.

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant is more widely accepted as compared to the bone marrow transplantations. One more reason for this is that the problem of graft versus host disease has lesser probability in cord blood transplant, i.e., the transplanted blood do not usually attack the recipient’s body. Thus, all the above reasons make umbilical cord transplants potent resources for transplantation therapies and add to their wide usage.

Cord Blood Benefits

With cord blood becoming the talk of town, let’s have a look at the bright as well as the dark sides of this miracle blood that promises to treat many life-threatening diseases in the near future.

Cord Blood Transplantation contains the stem cells which serve as the basic building block for the immune system. The stem cells have a very special property that it can transform into other cells that enable normal growth in our body. Hence these stem cell therapy is important for treating certain types of disorders of the blood and metabolic disorders.

Stem Cell Treatment is used to treat mainly blood disorders and cancers, of which there are 200 to 400 new cases annually in Singapore only. Cord blood used to treat aggressive leukemia especially in children and is often used when bone marrow donors can’t be found. Leukemia probably being the most common problem solved. Umbilical cord blood is used in this transplant just like how it been done on bone marrow. Moreover the stem cells are necessary for proper development of the organs of the body and the immune system in our body. People who suffer from blood disorders might find a lot of cord blood uses for treating their disorders. Treating Leukemia and anemia are some of the cord blood uses and hence its benefits can’t be ignored.

in treating such disorders apart from its uses in treating metabolic disorders in a baby. If you have the cord blood in a blood bank you are assured of its use whenever there is a use of it in the future. Families which have a history of genetic diseases can store the cord blood in a blood bank so that they can avail the services of that blood bank whenever they need it. as an excellent resource for stem cells finds its uses in many treatments.

general people by treating acute leukemia, chronic leukemia, Myeloproliferative Disorders, Lymph proliferative Disorders, Phagocyte Disorders, and Other Inherited Disorders. Inherited Platelet Abnormalities, Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Histiocytic Disorders, Erythrocyte Abnormalities, Immune System Disorders, and Plasma Cell Disorders are some of the other disorders that are treated with cord blood.

As per the findings it has been estimated that cord blood can treat more than 80 diseases using Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) transplants, including leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and metabolic disorders.

Research has shown in recent years that survival rates have double when a person’s own cord blood or a family member’s cord blood is used.

One of the most important is that it does not need a perfect match. This Cord blood can be transplanted even if there is only a partial match between donor and recipient. The recipient is at fewer risks of complications by cord blood transplant. The immune cells present in cord blood are less likely to attack the tissue of patient (graft vs. host disease) as compared to bone marrow transplant. Also, cord blood is less likely to spread certain viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is a deadly infection that strikes transplant recipients. Nearly half of the adult population of America is the carrier of CMV in the form of latent virus. Besides this, less than 1 percent of babies are born with CMV.

Protect the Future of Your Family with Umbilical Cord Blood Banking

All parents love to welcome newborn babies into their family. They try to make their newborn as comfortable as possible. The birth of a baby not only brings happiness, but also new responsibilities for the parents. Most of the parents feel that the most important and foremost thing that they must do, is immunize their baby. Unfortunately, a lot of people are unaware of the importance of cord blood. Cord blood refers to the blood found inside the placenta and the umbilical cord after the birth of a baby. The blood is extracted from the umbilical cord and it is mainly collected for the presence of stem cells and other hematopoietic cells, which are vital for the treatment of blood and other genetic disorders. Stem cells are also known as the building blocks of our body, which helps the organ, regenerate and heal.

Cord blood storage promises a safer future for your baby and the rest of your family. It is mainly used in the field of regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine includes the replacement or repair of an organ, which has been lost or damaged due to aging, disease or some other congenital problems. This type of treatment allows the organs to heal themselves by stimulating the existing cells. Regenerative medicine also allows the scientists to grow artificial organs in the laboratory and then place them inside the body of the patient. This can prove to be very beneficial for those patients who need organ replacement, but are unable to find one due to acute shortage of organ donors. Cord Blood Storage is very important for regenerative medicine as it contains stem cells, which can be used to treat diseases such as; brain injury, diabetes and in the treatment of cardiovascular problems.

The stem cells in the cord blood have the ability to heal approximately 80 diseases, which includes cancer, metabolic disorder, blood disorder, bone marrow failure syndromes, and other immune system deficiencies. A recent study has found that injected cord blood stem cells can slower the decline of insulin production in babies with type 1 diabetes. The studies have also shown positive effect on cardiovascular injuries and in the treatment of brain injury. Cord blood storage can also help the other members of the family, as organ transplants by close relatives tend to be more successful compared to unrelated donor transplants. Nowadays, you will be able to find numerous cord blood banks, which offer you easy cord blood collection options.

Due to its future potential, umbilical cord blood banking has become quite popular resulting in the formation of cord blood banks. One of the pioneers amongst the numerous cord blood banks is familycord.com. They allow you to store the cord blood in their blood bank in exchange of an annual fee, which varies according to the time for which to wish to save the blood. For instance, if you wish to save the cord blood in the bank for one year you need to pay $125 annually, whereas saving the cord blood for twenty years would cost you around $90 per year. Discounts of up to $600 are also available for students, military service providers, health care providers, twins and triplets.

This California based cryo bank company familycord.com was found in 1997; however its cryogenic services have been availed by people since 1977. Today in the field of umbilical cord blood banking family cord has come as a relief for many families. It has so far been successfully used to treat blood cancer, which is one of the most life threatening diseases in the world. Further research is being carried out to check the efficiency of cord blood stem cells in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Cerebral Palsy, stroke, Spinal cord injury, heart disease and diabetes. Umbilical Cord blood banking is especially beneficial for those families who have a history of the aforementioned diseases in their family. The cord blood collection procedure is relative simple and it only takes around 5 or 10 minutes. However, this little time can help your baby as well as the other members of your family. So go and contact familycord.com today to have a better future tomorrow!

 

Choose a Cord Blood Bank You Can Count On

After youve decided to bank your babys cord blood, its important to spend time researching to find the right cord blood bank for your investment. This may seem like a daunting task as there are many private banking services available and there are many factors to consider when weighing your options.

If youre not sure where to begin or what to look for in a cord blood bank, consider the following points as guidelines for your research:

Accreditations/Certifications

What accreditations or certifications does the cord blood bank hold? The bank you select should be fully accredited by the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) for the specialized processing and storage of hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells. Other important criteria to look for include registration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certification by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), cGMP-/cGTP-compliant practices, and licensing in states with applicable regulations.

Stem Cell Collection

Does the company offer you the ability to bank more stem cells by collecting both cord blood and placental-derived stem cells or is stem cell collection limited to cord blood only? By collecting stem cells from both your babys umbilical cord blood and the placenta, you significantly increase the number of stem cells banked. This improves the potential for a successful transplant should your family ever need the stem cells youre storing.

Red Blood Cell Depletion

Ask cord blood banks about their practices regarding red blood cell depletion. Specifically, ask them what percentage of red blood cells will be removed from your babys cord blood during processing. Its important that they remove as many red blood cells (RBC) as possible from the cord blood before the unit is cryogenically preserved try to find a bank that can provide 90% depletion or better. Transplant physicians prefer stem cell collections that are RBC depleted (as much as possible) as they pose fewer risks to the recipient and increase the chance that the collection can be used for a family member (reduces the potential for ABO/RH incompatibility).

Successful Storage and Release of Stem Cells

Does the cord blood bank have a proven track record of storing and releasing stem cells for transplant? Ask how many units have been banked and how many have been successfully released. If units have been released for transplant, find out whether a unit has ever been rejected due to poor viability or low cell count.

Financial Stability & Longevity

Is the cord blood bank financially stable? You should seek out a bank with a strong track record and a good reputation. It should be easy to access the financial status and profitability of publicly-traded cord blood banks. Also, while the cord blood banking industry is relatively new, its still important to look for a company thats been around for a number of years. Other positive signs include a companys active participation in furthering advancements in stem cell research and its affiliations with hospitals or universities.

Transplantation Shipping Process

In addition to researching a companys collection and storage practices, you should ask about the cord blood banks transplantation shipping process. If the storedstem cells are called upon for transplant, will the unit be shipped via a commercial delivery service or via a specialized medical courier to ensure safe transit? A preferred transport method uses liquid nitrogen dry shippers, which are designed to safely transport stem cell units at cryogenic temperatures and will maintain the stem cell unit(s) at -190 degrees Celsius for 14 days.

Back-Up Facilities

Does the cord blood bank have a backup storage facility? Multiple storage facilities provide extra security for your banked cord blood. Are the facilities owned by the bank or contracted through a third-party? There is greater assurance that your cord blood will be handled properly if the bank plays a dedicated role throughout processing and storage.

Pricing Options & Guarantees

Finally, dont just base your comparison on pricing. Consider how the cord blood bank compares when it comes to pricing options. Look for a bank that offers a range of pricing options for enrollment and long-term storage so you can pick a plan that works best within your budget.

What guarantees does the cord blood bank offer, if any? Carefully examine the companys refund policy. If your cord blood cannot be processed, will you be refunded the processing fees? Also, if the bankedstem cells do not engraft when called upon for transplant, will the cord blood bank search its donated inventory for a match, free-of-charge? If an acceptable unit is not found, will the company provide financial backing to help procure a match, if available, from a public registry?

Conclusion

These are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a cord blood bank. If you focus on finding a company that addresses these factors through its medical expertise and state-of-the-art practices and facilities, you can be confident that youve found acord blood bank you can count on.