| WHAT ARE CORD BLOOD AND STEM CELLS? |
|
| Cord blood refers to the blood that remains in the
umbilical cord and in the placenta after it is separated from the
newborn following childbirth. Typically, the umbilical cord and placenta
(also known as the afterbirth) are discarded after a child is born. The
blood found in these organs is rich in a special cell type called stem
cells. Not only do stem cells have the ability to generate all types of
blood cells, but they can be used to treat a variety of life-threatening
diseases, including leukemia, other cancers, blood and immune disorders
and, more recently, sickle cell anemia. |
| WHY PRESERVE CORD BLOOD? |
|
Why do we buy life insurance? In order to guard against
the consequences of unforeseen events. Preserving your baby’s cord blood
is better than a life insurance policy. It can potentially preserve the
health of the ones you cherish the most. Cord Blood Banking is a
lifetime gift that every parent hopes his or her family will never need
to use.
|
| Current Cord Blood Options |
- A parent may choose to save their child’s cord blood for use by
their child or a sibling in the event a life-threatening disease
develops. In such a case the cord blood stem cells are stored and
cannot be accessed except by you or your child at the age of consent.
- A parent may choose to donate their child’s cord blood to the
community, similar in principle to a routine blood donation. Under
these circumstances, the cord blood would be released for use by any
qualified recipient, or perhaps for scientific research.
- Traditionally, hospitals and birthing centers dispose of the
umbilical cord and placenta as medical waste unaware of the potential
medical benefits it may provide in the future.
|
| Future Treatment Discoveries |
- Not only can stem cells be used to treat a variety of blood
diseases and cancers traditionally treated with bone marrow
transplantation, but also new research is being conducted that shows
the potential for stem cells to help treat other diseases such as
heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
- Cord blood stem cells are especially suited for use in gene
therapy. Researchers are optimistic about similar treatments for AIDS,
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Diabetes.
|
| WHAT DO STEM CELLS DO? |
|
| A healthy person’s stem cells continually replenish
their blood and immune system cells. However, if the body has been
decimated by disease or by medical treatments such as chemotherapy or
radiation, new stem cells are necessary to rebuild the body’s blood and
immune systems. Preserved stem cells represent a revolutionary new
source of cells used in the rebuilding and repair of a person’s blood
system. Someday, the stem cells you preserve with could be used to give
the gift of life and health to someone close to you. |
| WHY ARE CORD BLOOD STEM CELLS PREFERABLE
OVER BONE MARROW STEM CELLS? |
|
- Time Savings. If your family’s cord blood has been stored,
there is immediate availability of matching stem cells for your child,
eliminating the need to search for a suitable bone marrow donor.
- Treatment Viability. Cord blood has a better chance of
being an acceptable match for a sibling of the same parents -
considerably better than a bone marrow match.
- Decreased Risk. Cord blood transplants have resulted in a
significantly lower incidence of life-threatening side effects, which
occur in a large percentage of bone marrow transplantations.
|
| HOW ARE STEM CELLS COLLECTED? |
|
| Stem cell collection is a surprisingly simple, painless
and noninvasive process. It takes your obstetrician or midwife about
five minutes to collect the sample once your baby is born, during the
time spent waiting for the placenta to deliver. Samples are then taken
from both the umbilical cord and the new mother. The cord blood
collection kit contains everything your obstetrician or midwife needs.
Collecting your baby’s cord blood does not interfere in any way with the
birthing process or the immediate post-partum bonding with your new
baby. |
