Umbilical Cord Blood Storage

Umbilical cord blood is the blood that is found in the umbilical cord of a new born baby. This blood is rich in stem cells and can be used to cure many types of dreadful diseases like leukemia and cancers. Earlier this blood was taken to be a waste and was discarded. After the advancement in the field of stem cell research, this blood was found to be rich in stem cells and is now stored for future use. The stem cells are capable of forming new cells and rejuvenate various body parts, so the stem cells found in the cord blood is regarded as a very rich source for the collection of such cells.

In case of a normal delivery, the umbilical cord is clamped at both ends and blood from is collected by inserting a tube into the cord’s vein. After this, needles are used to collect blood from the larger veins present in the placenta. Caesarean births are a little more complex procedure, so the collection of blood is also a little complicated. The blood is collected only after the suture of the mother’s uterus is closed. Cord blood collected in the later case is lesser in amount.   

Now, the cord blood is collected in bags or syringes and is taken to a cord blood bank which assigns it an identifying number. After this the stem cells are extracted from the blood sample and cryogenically frozen for storage in the cord blood bank. The stem cells kept at the cord blood bank can be used for future use of the baby or is donated to some other person suffering from a life threatening diseases.

The donation of cord blood is considered to be a safe option, but still one need to consult with the doctor to get their advice. The health of the mother and child is the top priority in any case.