Q.What is cord blood?
A. Cord blood, also known as “placental blood,” is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth and after the cord is cut. The blood contains a rich source of special cells called “stem cells” that are used in medical treatments for a number of diseases.
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Q. What are stem cells?
A. Stem cells are the body’s “master” cells that replicate and differentiate into all other cell types in the body. They are the building blocks of organ tissue, blood and the immune system.
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Q. Why are stem cells important?
A. Stem cells are vital to our survival. They are found in bone marrow and cord blood and have the ability to regenerate into other types of cells in the body. Doctors initially used stem cells in a transplant to regenerate the blood and immune cells following chemotherapy for cancers and blood disorders. Doctors are now focusing on cord blood stem cells and their ability to regenerate and turn into the cells that form all other tissues, organs, and systems in the body. The regenerative ability of stem cells is a discovery that holds tremendous promise for treating and curing some of the most common diseases.
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Q. What is cord blood banking?
A. Cord blood banking is the collection and storage of a newborn’s umbilical cord blood. Cryogenic storage keeps stem cells found in cord blood viable for future use.
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Q. Why is banking my baby’s cord blood important?
A. Cord blood banking is considered to be a form of protection because by collecting and freezing your baby’s cord blood stem cells, you are saving a biological resource that can ensure access to the best medical treatment option for your child or family member. To date, cord blood transplants have occurred using the newborn’s stem cells to treat the mother, a cousin, or the child themselves.
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