Cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord post-delivery. This blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells. Traditionally, people were unaware of the many benefits of these life-saving stem cells. Hence, it was discarded as medical waste.

However, in recent years cord blood and tissue banking have gathered immense popularity. New parents are encountering a critical decision of whether or not they should store their child’s stem cells.

Before you chose to opt for cord blood and tissue banking, it is essential to understand the process and the numerous uses of cord blood.

Cord blood has numerous benefits and can be used in case of future medical emergencies. Let us discuss these benefits in detail.

What are cord blood and tissue banking?

Cord blood and tissue banking refer to the process of collecting, processing, and cryogenically preserving the cord blood and tissues of your child. The process is very convenient and does not cause any interference with the delivery process. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure that allows you to ensure the future health and wellbeing of your baby.

What are the uses of cord blood banking?

1.  It can treat numerous diseases.

At present, cord blood can help in the treatment of eighty rare diseases. A stem cell transfusion can aid in treating blood disorders, metabolic diseases, sickle cell anemia, immune deficiencies, and many types of cancer.

Storing the stem cells of your child with a private cod blood bank ensures their accessibility whenever required. Hence, cord blood and tissue banking act as a gift of life for your little one.

2.  It has regenerative properties.

Cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells that can morph into cells of any type. Hence, stem cells have regenerative properties. The stem cell transfusion can provide your body with healthy cells required for faster recovery.

3.  It has immense future potential.

Many researchers believe that stem cells have the potential to treat numerous incurable diseases. All over the world, scientists are conducting clinical trials to understand the vast medical advancement that stem cells can create.

The stem can be a possible cure for diseases like cerebral palsy and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Studies are also getting conducted to understand the benefit of stem cells in the treatment of autism.

4.  It can be used by other siblings and family members.

Your Childs’s stem cell can help him fight against future medical emergencies. Hence, if you have a family history of rare diseases like cancer, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, etc., it is advisable to store your child’s cord blood. This is also recommended when one of the parents is adopted, or you are unsure about your medical history.

Stem cells can also be helpful in the case of a sibling or other family members. If you have a sick child that can benefit from the transfusion, it is quintessential to store your child’s stem cells. Family members with a rare disease can also be a potential match and use your newborn’s stem cells.

5.  It can be a gift of life for someone else.

You can store the stem cells exclusively for your family with a private bank. However, this requires a large investment in the form of registration charges and monthly fees.

Many parents today are choosing to donate their child’s umbilical cord blood to public banks. It can save a potential match’s life. The cord blood in public banks can also help in research and contribute to medical advancements.

Hence, there are numerous uses of cord blood and tissue banking and can help save lives. These benefits necessitate that you chose to preserve your child’s stem cells either with a public or a private cord blood bank.