Cord Blood Banking

The preservation of your newborn's stem cells, which allows you to have your baby's cord blood saved for potential medical uses to treat life-threatening diseases. If you do not choose to bank your baby’s cord blood, it will be discarded after birth.

Why are Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells Worth Saving?

"Stem cells are immature cells that can both reproduce themselves and have the potential to turn into other types of cells. There are several types. The ones in umbilical cord blood and bone marrow are called hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), according to WebMD."

No one debates that cord blood cells can be lifesaving. "Cord blood is a proven, effective source of blood-forming stem cells for people with certain diseases," Stephen Feig, professor of pediatrics at UCLA, tells WebMD.



Newborn Stem Cells In The News

A Californian Woman's Life Saved by Cord Blood Stem Cells
As reported by Fox News

Woman was diagnosed with leukemia after she battled breast cancer. She then decided to undergo a treatment with umbilical cord blood stem cells – and the procedure saved her life, KNSD-TV reported.

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Cord Blood Banking Resources

Facts About Umbilical Cord Blood

What is it? Blood that remains in the blood vessels of the placenta and the portion of the umbilical cord attached after birth. Cord blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. But it is also rich in hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells, similar to those found in bone marrow. This is why cord blood can be used for transplantation instead of bone marrow.  

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Published Wednesday, October 31, 2007 5:39 AM by Helena
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