Umbilical Bond Stem Units Storage
The blood of the cord contains umbilical cord stem cells that have the ability to differentiate cell types in the body. The units provide a genetic match to the person, which can be beneficial should the person be confronted with a debilitating condition or disease later in life.
While in the womb the cord connects a fetus to the placenta, which transports blood and nutrients directly to the growing baby. By storing the blood it ensures that medical professionals have the exact genetic make-up for a particular individual if a transplant is needed in the future.
Diseases such as leukemia, sickle cell disease and metabolism disorders all have the potential of being treated by stem cells. This method is helpful to treatment as it is an identical match to the person. However, in some cases it may also match those in the family or non relatives.
Stem units have the ability to completely restore damaged areas of the body. In some cases it can reverse the side effects of some diseases. Most of the time the cord is discarded after birth, but storage of the blood can be a preventative measure or even cure of some diseases or illnesses.
Because there is preparation involved in storing the blood the decision to do so must be made well before the woman gives birth. It is typically too late to make this decision in the labor and delivery room. Once the woman gives birth and the lifeline between her and her child has been cut the blood is then immediately sent to a blood bank where it can be preserved so that it will not be exposed to bacteria. Often this is done before the placenta has passed through the birth canal.
The decision to store blood is painless since samples are taken after the woman and child are no longer joined. The type of the blood is then determined and extensive testing is done to determine that it is free of any illness or disorder. After testing is completed the blood is stored in liquid nitrogen.
Using stem cells from the umbilical cord can act as an alternative to a painful bone marrow transplant. In addition, recovery becomes more possible if it is being used on the patient for which it belongs to because the blood being used is an exact match. Relatives may also benefit from blood storage as it may serve as a match for them if they become inflicted with a disease. If the person donates some of the blood it can serve as an option to those who cannot afford other treatment options.
Using umbilical cord stem cells as a method of treatment can be an effective way to help a person recover. The cost of storage can be high, but the benefits could be worth the cost. Additionally, storing blood could provide a benefit for others who are having trouble paying for medical care. Women will want to decide if this is the best option for them well before they enter the labor and delivery room as professionals will need time to prepare. Individuals should research all the options available to them before making a decision.
We are a cord blood in Toronto clinic that specializes in stem cell isolation, cord blood storage and cord blood stem cells banking. Specializing in stem cell isolation, we are a blood cord clinic with years in experience in cord blood banking & cord blood storage.




