Did You Know?
Cord Blood transplants have been around for over 30 years2, with the world’s first Cord Blood transplant taking place in October 19883.
Cord Blood Banking
What Is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the blood found in the baby’s umbilical cord, it is a rich source of Haemopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs). These stem cells make up the building blocks in our blood and immune system throughout our life. A baby’s own cord blood guarantees a perfect match for him/her. The cord blood can also potentially increase the chances of having a match for his/her siblings and parents.
What can Cord Blood do?
The HSCs in Cord Blood can develop into all types of blood cells. These Stem Cells are similar to those found in an adult’s bone marrow and are clinically proven to be used in the treatment of more than 80 diseases1, such as blood disorders, certain childhood & blood cancers, metabolic disorders and immunodeficiency syndrome.
Doctors believe there is more potential, and research is ongoing to use Cord Blood to treat other diseases including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Strokes, and more1. By storing your baby’s Cord Blood today, you will be able to tap on the new and ongoing medical advances in Regenerative Therapy and Cell & Gene Therapy.
5 Benefits Of Storing Your Child's Cord Blood
1
A 100% match for your baby
2
Eliminates difficulties in finding a compatible donor
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The sample is readily available, meaning no treatment delays and any potential disease progression can be avoided
4
It has the potential to be used as treatment options for family members
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Cord Blood from a related donor will result in fewer complications and improved medical outcomes
The Importance of Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood banking is an invaluable opportunity for parents to secure their child’s future health. The process involves collecting and storing the stem cells found in the umbilical cord blood, which can be used in the treatment of various life-threatening diseases1. With medical advancements continuously evolving, the potential applications of stem cells are expanding, making cord blood banking a crucial consideration for new parents.
Using Your Baby’s Cord Blood
An autologous transplant, or transplant where the patient is their own donor, will have a lower risk of life-threatening complications. There is no risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD) and no need for the patient to undergo immunosuppressive therapy.
Autologous Treatment
Where the patient receives his/her own stem cells.
Allogeneic Treatment
Patient receives stem cells from a matching donor. Probability of a match is much higher among siblings and direct family members.
List of Some Examples of Approved Treatments With Cord Blood Stem Cells
Name of Disease/Disorder |
Cord Blood Autologous |
Cord Blood Allogeneic |
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| Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) |
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| Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AMLs) |
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| Multiple Myeloma |
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| Plasma Cell Leukemia |
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| Hodgkin's Lymphoma |
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| Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma |
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| Aplastic Anemia |
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| Fanconi Anemia |
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| Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia |
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| Sickle Cell Disease |
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| Beta Thalassemia Major |
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| Neuroblastoma |
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| Medulloblastoma |
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The full list of diseases can be obtained from https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/diseases
Treatment Potential for Cord Blood Stem Cells
There are more than 1,000 clinical trials underway for Stem Cell therapies and treatments6.
With rapid advances in stem cell research, treatment methods using Cord Blood have the potential to change and save lives.
Read more about Cord Stem Cells
Name of Disease/Disorder |
Cord Blood Autologous |
Cord Blood Allogeneic |
Neurological Disorder
| Alzheimer's Disease |
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| Autism |
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| Cerebral Palsy |
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| Hearing Loss (Acquired Sensorineural) |
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| Parkinson's Disease |
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| Spinal Cord Injury |
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| Stroke |
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| Traumatic Brain Injury |
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Auto-Immune Disorder
| Crohn’s Disease |
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| Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) |
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| Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) |
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| Lupus |
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| Rheumatoid Arthritis |
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Cardiovascular
| Surgery for Congenital Heart Defects |
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Diabetic
| Diabetes, Type 1 (Auto Immune) |
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| Diabetes, Type 2 |
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Others
| Liver Cirrhosis |
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| Liver Failure |
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The full list of diseases can be obtained from https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/diseases
Why Private Cord Blood Banking?
Private cord blood banking offers security and peace of mind, knowing that stem cells are readily available for potential medical use. Some key benefits include:
- Exclusive Access : Stored stem cells are reserved for your child or a close family member.
- Higher Match Probability : The likelihood of a perfect match is significantly increased when using the child’s own stem cells or those of a sibling1.
- Potential Future Therapies : Ongoing research continues to expand the uses of stem cells, including regenerative medicine and personalized treatments7.
Cord Blood Banking Process
Understanding how cord blood banking works can help parents make an informed decision. The process involves these key steps8:
1. Collection
Cord blood is collected immediately after birth, ensuring that the process is painless and non-invasive for both mother and baby
2. Processing
The collected blood undergoes laboratory processing to separate and concentrate stem cells while removing unnecessary components.
3. Cryopreservation
The stem cells are then stored at ultra-low temperatures in specialized cryogenic tanks, preserving their viability for future medical use.
4. Retrieval
In the event of a medical need, stored stem cells can be quickly retrieved and used for treatment.
Cord Blood Banking Considerations
Medical professionals and researchers recommend cord blood banking due to its life-saving potential. According to HealthHub, here are some expert-backed reasons why parents should consider storing their baby’s cord blood:
- Proven Medical Use : Cord blood stem cells have successfully treated over 80 diseases1 , including leukemia, lymphoma, and anemia.
- Non-Controversial Source : Unlike embryonic stem cells, cord blood stem cells are ethically obtained and non-controversial.
- Growing Research Applications : Scientists continue to discover new treatment possibilities, including therapies for cerebral palsy, autism, and heart disease1.
- One-Time Opportunity : Cord blood can only be collected at birth, making it a one-time chance to secure this valuable resource.
The Cost of Cord Blood Banking
Many families view this as a vital investment in their child’s health. The decision to store cord blood today can provide life-saving treatment options in the future. Contact us to know the cost of cord blood banking.
Myths About Cord Blood Banking
There are several misconceptions surrounding cord blood banking. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths:
- Cord blood banking is unnecessary if there is no family history of diseases : While a family history of illness increases the likelihood of needing stem cells, new medical advancements continue to expand treatment options for a wide range of conditions.
- Public banks are just as reliable as private banks : Public banks do not guarantee the availability of your child’s stem cells, whereas private banks provide exclusive access.
- Cord blood stem cells can only treat a few diseases : Over 80 conditions1 are currently treatable with cord blood stem cells, and research is constantly uncovering new applications.
Secure Your Baby’s Future Today
Cord blood banking is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to safeguard your child’s health. With extensive medical applications and ongoing research, storing your baby’s cord blood is a decision that could provide life-saving treatments in the future.
Take the first step today! Contact Us to speak with an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Today, scientifically it is proven that the storage of cord blood can stretch over 23 years. Many studies have shown that as long as it is properly stored, Cord Blood can be stored indefinitely.
Yes, sibling matches are more likely to be compatible, making stored cord blood a valuable resource for family use.
If not stored, cord blood is typically discarded as medical waste. Choosing to bank it preserves a valuable medical resource.
No, the process is painless and non-invasive for both mother and baby.
Simply register with a private cord blood bank before your due date to ensure a smooth process at birth.
In some cases, stored cord blood can be a match for parents or extended family members, depending on genetic compatibility.
Cord blood collection is completely safe for both mother and baby. The procedure is performed by trained healthcare professionals and does not interfere with the birthing process. Additionally, private banks follow strict guidelines to ensure the proper handling and storage of stem cells.
Reference Links
Banking cord blood does not guarantee that the cells will provide a cure or be applicable for every situation. The treating physician will determine the ultimate use. There is no guarantee that the umbilical cord blood will be a match for a family member or will provide a cure. Autologous cord blood stem cells will not guarantee suitable treatment for all inherited genetic diseases. As with any transplant therapy, therapeutic success depends upon many factors beyond the stem cells themselves including patient condition, type of disease, recipient-donor relationship and matching, and other factors. The use of cord blood stem cells for emerging treatments is experimental. Please consult your physician.
24 Hour Hotline
(65) 6471 2002
24 Hour Hotline
(65) 6471 2002