Umbilical Cord Blood Banking
What is Cord Blood and Why is it Important?
Cord blood is a type of blood rich in stem cells collected from the umbilical cord and placenta of newborn babies. These cells are vital structures that can be used in the treatment of many diseases. Dr. Yeliz Akçelik emphasizes the importance of cord blood banking and highlights how stem cells offer hope for future illnesses.
The Importance of Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood stem cells offer some advantages over stem cells obtained from bone marrow or other sources:
Treatment Potential: Used in the treatment of diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, as well as metabolic and genetic disorders.
Lower Rejection Risk: Due to being genetically similar to the baby, there is a low risk of rejection during transplantation.
Easy Access: Stored cord blood is readily available for use in times of need.
Cord Blood Collection and Storage Process
The process of cord blood banking is safely conducted during childbirth and progresses through the following steps:
Collection: After birth, the umbilical cord is cut, and the remaining blood is collected into a sterile bag.
Processing: In the laboratory, stem cells within the blood are separated and processed.
Storage: Processed stem cells are frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196°C.
Options for Cord Blood Storage
Cord blood banking services are offered in two main categories:
Family Storage: Parents store cord blood in private banks to create a resource for the future medical needs of family members.
Public Banks: By donating cord blood, it can be made available for use by eligible patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cord Blood Banking
What is cord blood and why is it important?
Cord blood is blood collected from the umbilical cord, rich in stem cells. It is important because it can be used as a source of stem cells for medical treatments.
When should I collect cord blood?
Cord blood can only be collected at the time of childbirth. Therefore, it is important to decide on cord blood banking during pregnancy.
Does the collection process harm the mother or the baby?
No, the blood collected after the umbilical cord is cut does not harm the mother or the baby.
What diseases can cord blood stem cells be used to treat?
Cord blood stem cells can be used to treat various diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, and metabolic disorders.
Should I opt for family storage or donation?
Family storage allows for the creation of a personal resource, while donation provides a wider treatment resource for patients in need.
How long can cord blood stem cells be stored?
Cord blood stem cells can be stored for many years under appropriate conditions. Research shows that even when frozen for extended periods, stem cells remain viable.
Is there a risk of rejection with stem cells?
The risk of rejection is low with cord blood stem cells because they are genetically similar to the baby.
How long does the collection process take?
After the umbilical cord is cut, the collection process takes only a few minutes.
What are the storage fees?
Storage fees vary depending on the private bank and services offered. Public banks typically do not charge fees.
How can I organize cord blood banking?
During pregnancy, you can contact a cord blood bank to learn more about the storage process and obtain detailed information.