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Cord blood storage is the cryogenically (freezing in liquid nitrogen) of umbilical or adult cord blood and storing the blood at either a public or private blood bank. Those that choose a private blood bank consider this, in a sense, as similar to insurance: setting aside a perfect match of blood cells should their child, or immediate member of the family (if a matching blood type), should need a transfusion or bone marrow transplant in the future.

Similarly, many expecting parents see placental and cord blood storage, the storing of the blood forming stem cells from the placenta and the child’s umbilical cord blood, as a biological option that could one day save the lives of their children.

Stem cells are unique in that they can also turn into other cell types including bone, heart, muscle, nerve, and liver cells. Cord blood stem cells have successfully been used to treat more than 8,000 patients with some 80 known diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancers.

Research has not conclusively determined that using one’s own cells is better than using another’s from donation. Most doctors recommend only banking the blood if there is a history of disease. But, some are concerned the blood may already be tainted, and transplanting would not benefit the patient.

Understanding the procedures, risks and costs involved may or may not be important to you, but the final outcome: usable stem cells, will be so storage and thawing procedures should be carefully considered when choosing the bank for your family.

Tags: Health

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