STEM CELL BANKING
Stem cell banking is the process of collecting, processing, and storing stem cells for potential future medical use. It involves cryopreserving stem cells, often from UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD , for their later use in treating various diseases in later life.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are totipotent cells with the ability to develop into different types of specialized cells in the body. They have the potential to regenerate damaged tissues and organs.
Why is banking stem cells necessary?
Potential for future medical treatments:
Stem cells can be used to treat various diseases and conditions, including blood disorders, autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.
Stem cell banking offers a form of biological insurance for potential future health issues for the individual or their family members.
How are stem cells collected and stored?
Umbilical cord blood: A common source of stem cells is the umbilical cord blood, which is collected after a baby is born and before the placenta is delivered. Stem cells are preserved through cryopreservation in the private or public cord blood banks .
Private cord blood bank
Families can choose to privately bank their baby's cord blood for their own use. This provides a personalized option for potential future medical needs.
Public cord blood bank
These banks collect and store cord blood for public use, making it available for anyone who needs a transplant.Donating cord blood to a public bank can help you, your family and others in need of stem cell transplants
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The private banks have now come up with the concept of storing the individual's stem cells at a predefined cost. These totipotent cells will be available for use for the baby, siblings, parents, maternal and paternal grandparents in case of need in later life. However, the banks also provide facility of unlimited sample retrievals with shipment facility from the pool of cells stored in the bank.
Important considerations:
It's important to register with a cord blood bank of your choice in advance, typically before the due date, to ensure proper collection and processing.
The hospital will help the couple in educating the possible advantages of cord banking and the realistic benefits.However ,the decisions regarding the banking and type of banking is to be taken by the patient.
