Stem cells are relatively primitive cells that have the ability to divide rapidly to produce more specialized cells. Stem cells in the embryo are capable of huge variation in the kinds of tissues they make, reproduce rapidly and have attracted interest of researchers for decades. However embryonic stem cells are hard to get hold of in humans and collection of embryos also require elaborate licensing by regulatory authorities.

Cord blood or bone marrow derived stem cells, on the other hand are easier to collect, do not require elaborate licensing and are better tolerated than embryonic stem cells. These stem cells are also stable and more predictable and easily transplanted in patients, with minimal chances of rejection. However, adult bone marrow derived stem cells are preferred for autologous transplantation, while cord blood derived stem cells are useful for allogenic transplants. These cord blood derived stem cells expand the range of therapeutic efficacy of transplant medicine.

Cord Blood Banking

One gets a single chance to preserve their baby’s cord blood. That’s why it’s critical to select a high quality cord blood storage facility. Some of the facts are discussed below.

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord is the lifeline between mother and baby. Once the umbilical cord is discarded after the baby’s birth, the chance to preserve these precious cells that are an exact match for the child is lost. The baby’s “treasure” of stem cells can be stored with a guaranteed match so that the child will have life-saving protection against disease in the event that such a disease threatens it or a sibling. When there is a history of any of the various listed diseases in the family, having a perfect stem cell match are a future protection for the baby. Preserving these cells is a genuine form of biological insurance, should any of these diseases develop over time, even though no family history may exist.

Collecting cord blood is medically safe. Since the collection is done after the cord is cut following the delivery of the baby, this procedure poses absolutely no health risks to the mother or the baby. Cord blood collection does not also affect the baby or the mother’s birth experience. However, if the mother or the baby undergoes any complications during delivery, the treating doctor may choose not to collect the cord blood.

Stem cells are used today in the treatment of leukemia, breast cancer, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, aplastic anemia, various other cancers, blood diseases, hereditary/genetic conditions and immune system disorders. There are approximately 1.4 million new cancer cases each year. As stem cell transplants become more routine, they may be used to fight lung cancer, sickle cell anemia, multiple sclerosis, lupus, AIDS and many genetic diseases. Over 90 clinical conditions are listed as being treatable by stem cell transplants.

The identities of the cord blood donor and parents are kept confidential at the cord blood bank at all times and follow HIPPA confidentiality standards. Donating cord blood to the public cord blood bank is different from storing the cord blood for a family’s private use. Privately stored cord blood is reserved for the child or its family, while publicly donated cord blood goes into a public registry pool and may be used to treat any potential recipient with a good HLA match.

After the baby's birth, the umbilical cord is clamped, breaking the link between the baby and the placenta. The small amount of blood remaining in the placenta and umbilical cord, typically three to five fluid ounces, is drained and taken to a cord blood bank where the unit is processed and samples are sent for tests. To be stored, the cord blood unit must meet these standards:

• The unit must be large enough.
• The maternal and family health history must meet eligibility guidelines.
• Tests of the cord blood unit and the mother's blood sample must show no signs of infection or other possible problems.

If the unit meets these standards, it is frozen and stored in a liquid nitrogen container. Such a processed cord blood sample can be stored almost indefinitely at –190oC, in liquid nitrogen. The stored cord blood sample is uniquely identified in the RNTB-SCRC registry and is made available for therapy in the event of illness.