Umbilical Cord Blood Banking: What makes it worth it?

Posted by Avinash Mittal on October 7th, 2019

Cord blood is that blood which is leftover in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. This blood is very special as it contains powerful hematopoietic stem cells that have over 30-years history of saving lives. This blood can be collected and preserved as it can be used for treating some severe diseases. Many private companies that offer umbilical cord blood banking in India encourage parents to do this because if in case their child (or someone else in the family) develops some serious diseases in the future, these stem cells can be used for treating them.

Read on to understand what makes umbilical cord blood banking worth it

Young cells have the ability to regenerate

Stem cells present in the cord blood are young & unexposed to the external environment. These cells are capable of differentiating and regenerating into different types of cells in the human body. They have the potential for treating certain life-threatening disease. About 3654 clinical trials across the world are in progress around the use of stem cells for treating various diseases. And there are about 31 ongoing clinical trials on umbilical cord blood banking in India that delve into the usage of stem cells for curing disease.

Umbilical cord blood can save lives 

Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells that are capable of morphing into all sorts of blood cells, which can be used for treating diseases such as leukaemia and certain cancers, sickle-cell anaemia, and some metabolic disorders that harm the blood and immune system. Though there are various ways (umbilical and placenta, bone marrow, peripheral/circulation) by which transplant patients can get blood cells. But umbilical cord blood is easier to match with patients, and since it is collected during birth from the umbilical cord, it is a painless procedure.

Therapies with umbilical cord blood have gotten more successful

Studies have shown that the outcomes of cord blood transplants have improved over the past ten years. As researchers & clinicians have learned more about and have gained expertise in dosing cord blood, picking better matches, and giving better supportive care to the patient as they go through the transplant.

One for the family

Stem cells present in the cord blood are genetically unique & exclusive. So if you have a family history of certain complex diseases such as Arthritis, Asthma, Alzheimer, heart disease, there are chances of your children inheriting them. These life-threatening diseases can be cured with the stem cells present in the cord blood. This is what makes umbilical cord blood banking worth it!