The blood that flows through a newborn baby's umbilical cord is a precious source of stem cells. Unfortunately in most cases this lifesaving blood is discarded because parents are not aware of the benefits of cord blood banking or because the price of banking cord blood is far too high for the average parent to afford.
What Makes Umbilical Cord Blood So Special?
The Cord Blood Registry tells of the uniqueness of umbilical cord blood as it contains non-embryonic stem cells. These stem cells are compatible with the child from whom they come and in many cases they are compatible with other members of the child's family as well.
There is a great deal of research currently being done showing that stem cells can be used to treat a variety of life-threatening or debilitating disease ranging from cerebral palsy to diabetes, from childhood leukemia to Alzeimer's disease.
How is Cord Blood Collected?
Parents interested in banking their child's cord blood should talk to their doctor about doing so well before the baby's due date. A special kit will need to be ordered ahead of time so that it will be present in the delivery room. Some hospitals have these kits on hand but not all do. It is of vital importance that cord blood be collected shortly after the cord is cut.
A cord blood kit looks a lot like the type of bags and tubing that would be used in a blood donation. According to Kids Health through the Nemours Foundation, cord blood is collected by inserting a needle into a vein in the umbilical cord after the cord has been cut but before the placenta is delivered. The stem cell rich blood flows into a bag which is transferred to the appropriate processing and storage facility.
Private vs. Public Cord Blood Banks
Parents have three options when it comes to banking their child's umbilical cord blood. They can choose a private cord blood bank, a transplant public bank or a research public bank.
Private Banks
Private banks are chosen when the blood is saved for the child it came from. This is a costly option and one some parents cannot afford to make. According to the Parent's Guide to Cord Blood Foundation private banking can cost nearly two-thousand dollars.
Transplant Public and Research Public Banks
Donating cord blood to a transplant public bank or a research public bank means someone else may benefit from a child's cord blood other than that baby. This type of donation is free. Collection, quality and storage standards for public banks are strict and some donations may be thrown away.
Even if parents cannot afford to bank their child's cord blood for their own use they should still consider donating the blood to a transplant or research bank. New uses for stem cells are being discovered every day and the blood that comes from their child's umbilical cord could help advance progress and potentially save a life.
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