The umbilical Cord is a cord attached to the mother’s body. It is connected via a placenta. This is used to exchange nutrients and waste products between the mother and the baby. Since the baby doesn’t have well-developed organs, this is the only way of survival. In simpler words, an umbilical cord blood is the essence of life for a baby.

Why Is Umbilical Cord Blood Preservation Important?

Umbilical cord cells are known as stem cells. The unique feature of stem cells is that they are multipotent. Multipotency is a distinct characteristic of stem cells. Due to this, they can easily convert into cells of any body part, such as bone marrow, osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic. The stem cells can multiply faster, thereby converting into any body part.

Stem Cells Collecting Process

The process of stem cells collection is painless and fast. It is done within fifteen minutes of child delivery. The collection is generally done right in the delivery room. The nurse or the gynecologist cuts and clamps the umbilical cord after delivering the baby. This cord is filled with blood that contains the stem cells.

With the help of a needle, the nurse or the doctor draws blood and collects it in a blood bag. This is done before the extraction of the placenta. The blood collected is then cultured and stored for stem cell preservation.

Storage Of Umbilical Cord Blood

On collection, the Cord Blood is packed, frozen, and sent to your chosen laboratory or storage unit. There are mainly three umbilical cord storage options –

Private Cord Blood Banking

The private Cord Blood Banking facility – This includes private institutes where your baby’s cord blood can only be used by them.

Public Cord Blood Banking

The public facility – This works on the concept of donation, where parents donate their child’s cord blood to be used by others as well.

Read Also: Difference Between Private And Public Cord Blood Banking

Social/Community Cord Blood Banking

The social/community cord blood banking facility – This facility works on the concept of donation in a closed social/community. The cord blood stored in this unit can only be used by the members of this social/community.

Once the cord blood reaches here, it is stored in cryogenic units until future use. In cases of donations and HLA-matching, it is important to match the recipient to the donor’s blood. Research suggests that umbilical cord blood, while in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen (at -196 degree centigrade) has no limit on shelf life. The umbilical cord preservation benefits are higher than you think. It can save your child’s life from life-threatening conditions.

Summing It Up

Blood collection from the umbilical cord is a harmless and safe procedure for both the baby and the mother. It can save your child’s life from more than eighty life-threatening conditions. Storage of cord blood is done in the facility of your choice. Visit Cryoviva to get to the best stem cell banks in India.

Related Topics

Umbilical Blood Cord Banking Process

What is Umbilical Cord Preservation Cost in India

Reasons To Preserve Your Child’s Cord Blood

List of Best Stem Cell Banks in India