The Importance Of Cord Blood Storage

Cord blood storage is the process of collecting and preserving umbilical cord blood for future use in case of stem cell transplantation. This blood is rich in stem cells which have the capacity to form new blood cells, thereby making it very useful in treating diseases like leukemia, anemia and immune deficiency. Cord blood collection takes place during childbirth. It is collected from the placenta either before or after the placenta is delivered. It has to be sent immediately to a cord blood bank. Here it is screened for infectious diseases like AIDS and common genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia. The tissue type is also checked. The red blood cells are then removed and the white blood cells are retained. Cord blood preservation is possible by reducing the temperature of the blood cells to as low as -180 degrees and then placing them in liquid nitrogen to prevent any damage. When it is required, the cryopreserved blood is defrosted, all chemicals are removed and it is ready for transplantation.

Should You Store Your Cord Blood?

There are several reasons why umbilical cord blood storage is highly recommended by the medical community. Blood and immune system related genetic diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and even thalassemia can be successfully treated using cord blood stem cell transplants. If you have a history of such a genetic disease, then it is a good idea for you to store your cord blood in a private cord blood bank for future use by yourself, your child or other members of your family. It is also advisable to do the same if a sibling has been diagnosed with one of the genetic diseases that can be cured using the newborn's cord blood. You can store your cord blood at a private cord blood bank for a fee.

There are numerous public cord blood banks where you can donate your cord blood to be preserved for future use by anyone who needs it. If you need a cord blood transplant, you do not have to wait indefinitely for a matching donor. Cord blood need not closely match the cell type of the recipient and so can be used universally with minimal chance of rejection.

The main advantage of storing your own cord blood is that you do not have to worry about searching for a donor. Your own blood has been preserved so in theory, you are your own donor. Your own cord blood is available if you or your child requires a transplant. The issue of your body rejecting the donors' blood does not arise, as it will be a perfect match. If you can use your own cord blood, or if it matches perfectly with a sibling, then chances of a cure are much higher. This would probably be the main factor why parents decide that cord blood storage is a safe option for their family.