What are Cord Blood Banks (and How Do They Work?)

Cord blood banks are special facilities that store umbilical cord blood that is extracted from the umbilical cord and placenta of a newborn baby. This cord blood is a source of stem cells, which can be used to treat certain medical conditions, such as blood cancers, immune deficiencies, and genetic disorders. Stem cells are special cells that can develop into many different types of cells and have the potential to repair damaged tissues and organs. Cord blood banks provide a safe and secure way to store the cord blood, which can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions.

The process of storing cord blood begins with the collection of the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is delivered. The umbilical cord and placenta are then placed in a sterile bag and transported to the cord blood bank. At the cord blood bank, the cord blood is extracted from the umbilical cord and placenta and placed into a collection bag. The collection bag is then sealed and transported to a laboratory, where the cord blood is further processed.

At the laboratory, the cord blood is tested to ensure it is safe and free of any infectious diseases. Once the cord blood has passed the testing, it is placed into storage in a cryogenic tank at temperatures below -150 degrees Celsius. This ensures that the cord blood remains viable and can be used for stem cell treatments.

The cord blood is stored in the cryogenic tank for an indefinite amount of time. The cord blood can be retrieved from the cryogenic tank and used for a stem cell treatment when and if it is needed. The stem cells from the cord blood can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, such as blood cancers, immune deficiencies, and genetic disorders.

Cord blood banks provide a valuable service to those in need of stem cell treatments. They provide a safe and secure environment to store the cord blood and ensure it is available should it be needed in the future. Cord blood banks also provide peace of mind to parents, knowing that the cord blood is available if ever needed.

Cord blood banking is a relatively new technology, but has already helped many individuals receive the stem cell treatments they need. As more individuals become aware of the benefits of cord blood banking, more families are opting to store their cord blood at cord blood banks. As the technology continues to improve, the potential uses of cord blood banking will continue to expand and more individuals will be able to benefit from this valuable service.