Understanding the Storage of Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

Stem cells are found in several parts of the human body; they are retained with them throughout the adult lives. However, as per researchers, one of the best sources of stem cells for therapeutic use is the blood present in the umbilical cord. Umbilical cord blood is accepted as a rich source of particularly potent blood-forming stem cells that are known as haematopoietic stem cells or HSCs. The presence of HSCs allows cord blood transplants to be used for treating a range of blood & bone marrow cancers. Cord blood also contains other cell type that includes mesenchymal stem /stromal cells (MSCs); they are useful in regenerative medicine.

After a child is born, the umbilical cord is usually discarded, but cord stem cell storage India is a simple, non-invasive process.

Over and above cord blood, researches have shown that the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord is a particularly rich source of MSC's.

Storing the Stem Cells – to Access Them in the Future

It is important to store the cord blood as soon as the child is born. Ideally, the samples should reach the laboratory and be processed within 72 hours of birth. The shorter the time between the delivery and cryopreservation, the better it is, to maintain the quality of the cord blood.

Once frozen, these stem cells can be stored for years, and currently, researches have shown that they remain viable for over 25 years. However, studies are planned to assess the viability of stem cells at the 30-year point.

If the time comes when you are in need of stem cells for a specific treatment, the retrieval process is straightforward. You simply have to contact your cord blood bank, fill out a request form to give permission for the bank to liaise with the hospital who is dealing with your case. Pending sufficient cell counts, test data and possible further testing the cord blood bank can then arrange to ensure the cells are shipped under stringent monitored transit conditions for the date of treatment. The process is similar to the release of cord tissue for clinical use.

Once you've taken that life-changing step to start a family, protecting your child's health & wellbeing suddenly becomes your top priority. Storing stem cells that are collected from your newborn's umbilical cord blood is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture this amazing resource which could, in years to come, turn out to be a valuable resource for treating life-threating disease. A simple, pain-free procedure of cord stem cell storage India could well be the smartest investment you'll ever make for your child!