Umbilical cord stem cells can discern types of cells in the body, which can be used to treat illness or rare disorders. Because the units are genetically identical to that of the person of origin it becomes very beneficial to use their own blood as a means for recovery.

While in the womb the cord connects a fetus to the placenta, which transports blood and nutrients directly to the growing baby. By storing the blood it ensures that medical professionals have the exact genetic make-up for a particular individual if a transplant is needed in the future.

Using cord blood can help to treat many diseases and disorders including sickle cell disease, leukemia, and disorders that effect the metabolism. The blood can be matched to the person of origin or possibly a family member. In some cases it can even be used to help a person who does not have any relation.

When areas of the body are damaged by disease or rare disorders stem cells can be used to reverse the signs of damage and side effects. Keeping and storing the blood instead of discarding the cord after birth will act as a reserve in case needed to treat an illness.

Medical professionals must have time to prepare storage for the blood, so women must decide if this is the best option for them well in advance of giving birth. It is too late to make this decision after the baby is born. Once the cord has been cut from the woman and child the blood is immediately transferred to a bank where it is stored in a place that is sterile and free of any contaminants. The process is often done very quickly, many times before the placenta is delivered.

The decision to store blood is painless since samples are taken after the woman and child are no longer joined. The type of the blood is then determined and extensive testing is done to determine that it is free of any illness or disorder. After testing is completed the blood is stored in liquid nitrogen.

There are many advantages to using stem units as a preventative measure. Often times this can replace bone marrow transplants, which can be very painful. If an individual uses their own cells that carry an identical genetic match the chances of recovery from fatal diseases becomes much higher. In addition, using a persons matching stem cells decreases the risk of side effects that can incur from modern day medicine. Another advantage is that there is a good likelihood that there will be a match for an immediate family member if they are ever in need of a transplant.

There is a high cost involved in storage of umbilical cord stem cells. However, the advantages are plentiful especially given the cost that it might take to help a person recover from a disease if they do not have access to their own cells. In addition, banking blood could potentially save the life of an individual who may not be able to afford other means of treatment.

We are a cord blood in Toronto clinic that specializes in stem cell isolation, cord blood storage and cord blood stem cells banking. Specializing in stem cell isolation, we are a blood cord clinic with years in experience in cord blood banking & cord blood storage.