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.

Read Full Story

Cord Blood Banking Resources

Cord Blood Science and Research

 

Scientific understanding of stem cells continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Research has already demonstrated that cord blood stem cells can differentiate into other types of cells in the body. This discovery holds exciting possibilities for a field of research known as regenerative medicine, which involves using stem cells to rebuild damaged organs or create living tissue.

Today, stem cells are regarded as an important biological resource, and researchers are conducting numerous studies to unlock their potential. Research to date suggests that cord blood stem cells may have potential use in treating diseases like diabetes, heart and liver disease, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke.

Researchers are also examining the possibility of stem cell expansion, which may someday enable families who have banked stem cells to use them for multiple treatments or donate stem cells to others.

Published Sunday, May 13, 2007 5:28 PM by Josephine
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