All the recent parents and the parents-to-be may have heard, researched or signed up for this service. Cord blood banking has recently gained popularity in India with the advertisements appearing in the mainstream media. Though the service providers have their own promotional material, I will try to give you an unbiased view of what it is, what it promises and what are the limitations.
Cord Blood Banking, what it really is
The process of growth of a child inside the uterus is amazing! Inside the uterus, the placenta separates the mother’s blood from the foetal blood. The umbilical cord connects the placenta with the foetus. It helps the mother deliver nutrition to the child while cleansing his wastes away. The cord has two umbilical arteries for carrying the wastes away from the child to the placenta and one umbilical vein for nutrition.
Inside the umbilical cord, we find the stem cells. Stem cells have a theoretical potential to grow into any kind of cells. These cells are collected in the form of umbilical blood after it is cut at the time of the delivery. This blood is then stored by the Cord blood banks for use in the future.
How does it help
Cord blood can be used in two ways: to be used for the child himself, also known as autologous use and for the use of others, also known as allogeneic use. An allogeneic use of stem cells is currently being made for many blood-related diseases like leukaemia. It is observed that the acceptance of stem cell therapies is better when the donor is related.
The most advertised and talked about application of the cord blood is for the treatment of the child himself. You should know that the autologous stem cells are currently NOT approved for the treatment of any disease. They are, at present, in early phases of clinical trials for the treatment of diseases and disorders like Type 1 Diabetes, neonatal stroke, cerebral palsy, autism to name a few.
Though the concept of cord blood banking is new in India, there are a few public cord blood banks in other countries. If the cord blood is harvested in a public bank, it could be used for the treatment of others. This facilitates allogenic use.
What can you do with your child’s cord blood?
The cord blood banks are marketing their services as an insurance against future illnesses of the child. This is NOT yet proven. So some thought should go into the decision to use a cord blood bank.
If you do choose one, check the credibility of the bank. They will typically offer you plans to store the cells for 21 years. Ask them about the fate of the cells in case the company goes out of business.
If you do not choose to go ahead with it, you can donate the same to a cord blood bank nearby. Find out more about it from your doctor. Your donation could end up saving a life.
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