Cord blood is an important source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are the type of adult stem cells that can give rise to all new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. HSCs are also the only adult stem cells that can reconstitute the entire blood system from just a few units. Cord blood has been used for decades as a source of transplantable HSCs, especially for patients with diseases like leukemia or sickle cell anemia, who have a high risk of needing a bone marrow transplant someday. However, in recent years there has been increased interest in banking cord blood as a general source of HSCs for future use by the child or family member who contributed the sample. Additionally, since cord blood originates from the baby rather than an unrelated donor, it’s also seen as having several advantages over other types of stem cell banks.
What Are The Benefits of Cord Blood Banking?
Cord blood has been used for decades as a source of transplantable HSCs, especially for patients with diseases like leukemia or sickle cell anemia, who have a high risk of needing a bone marrow transplant someday. However, in recent years there has been increased interest in banking cord blood as a general source of HSCs for future use by the child or family member who contributed the sample. There are several potential advantages to banking cord blood compared to other types of stem cell banks. First, because cord blood is collected from the baby, it’s more likely to match that person’s particular genetic makeup than cells from another donor. However, this isn’t always the case: some minority groups, including African and Asian Americans, have a significantly lower chance of finding a match with cord blood than a person of European descent.
Who Should Bank Cord Blood?
The best candidates for cord blood banking are families who have a child with a condition that might be treated with HSC transplantation. There are several diseases that are associated with a high risk of needing HSC transplantation, including leukemia, sickle cell anemia, severe combined immunodeficiency, and severe hemoglobinopathies like beta thalassemia. Cord blood is also collected for future research and therapeutic uses.
Which Banks Have the Highest Quality?
The quality of cord blood banks varies significantly. The best way to determine which banks have the highest quality is to search for reviews from unbiased sources, including the National Cord Blood Program, the Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood, and the Cord Blood Registry. Cord blood banks that are accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks have a proven track record of high-quality operations and are more likely to be a good fit for your family. Some cord blood banks also offer a guarantee that a sample will be available for your child whenever he or she needs it, although the terms and conditions vary by company.
Finding a Good Cord Blood Registry
Choosing a good cord blood registry is an important part of preserving your baby’s stem cells. The best cord blood registries are those that can accept your baby’s cord blood and store it long-term in a way that preserves its viability and quality. Most cord blood banks operate their own registry, while some specialize in matching babies with existing family banks.
What’s the Difference Between Public and Private Registries?
Public cord blood registries are non-profit organizations that accept and store cord blood from anyone in the general public. Private cord blood banks are for-profit organizations that accept and store cord blood only from customers who pay a fee for the service.
Bottom line
Cord blood banking is an important investment in your family’s future health, but there are a lot of different factors to consider before making a decision. Cord blood banks that are licensed by the FDA and accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks have a proven track record of high-quality operations, and are more likely to be a good fit for your family. Most banks also offer a guarantee that a sample will be available for your child whenever he or she needs it, although the terms and conditions vary by company. Ultimately, when choosing a cord blood bank, it’s important to consider all of the available options and make the decision that’s right for you and your family.
