Cord Blood is probably one of the more interesting techniques which has developed over the past few years, Not only because of what it can do now although that is important but also because there may be a number of potential developments in the future.
Cord Blood is collected from the umbilical cord after the baby is born as a once only opportunity to collect a source of stem cells. The sample is sent away to a laboratory where it is processed, frozen and cryopreserved until needed. Stem cells are the basis of the immune system and are the building blocks of blood. If at some point in the future a person develops a medical problem which affects or the cure affects the immune system then the cord blood can be used to regenerate the blood and immune system. Unfortunately only limited amounts can be collected and usually there is only enough to deal with a child or young adult.
Cord Blood Banks
There are many Cord Blood banks around the world although the main banks are in the USA. It is imperative that the patient has access to a reputable blood bank if it is a process that they decide to examine and care should be taken to examine a few different ones before deciding on the one for you. Make sure the sample can be transferred to the bank quickly after being obtained. Checked their pedigree in the business and that they can deal with the method of collection you decide on.
Collection and processing
Collection is simple and is carried out by your medical practioner at the birth and it only takes 5 minutes. A collection kit is obtained from the Cord Blood Bank or supplier prior to the birth and the medical practitioner at your birth should be familiar with what is required to collect the cord blood. The appropriate Bcord Blood Bank will be able to advise him if there is any doubt.
There are 2 methods of collection:-
• 1) By syringe directly from the umbilical cord. This is a good method but obtains slightly smaller amounts than the bag method and there is an extra transfer procedure which is another slight contamination risk area.
• 2) The bag method which collects a larger amount and generally appears to be a more favoured method.
The cord blood is then immediately sent by courier or same day air transfer directly to the Cord Blood Bank. Cord blood is processed immediately and then Cryopreserved to a temperature of -190 degrees C. It is stored in Cryo vials or bags and it is important to collect as much as possible.
If the stem cells are needed for treatment then they are removed from storage and processed according to the disease treated.
Diseases Treated
There are many diseases that can be treated but it is mainly the ones where the immune system has been damaged by the treatment for a disease or the disease itself has started destroying the immune system.
Just some of the possibilities are listed below:-The arguements for the use of Cord Blood are as follows:-
• 1) Various types of Leukemia
• 2) Stem cell disorders
• 3) Various Cancers including Breats Cancer
• 4) Hodkins Disease and Non Hodkins Lymphoma
• 5) Congenital Imune System Disorders
• 6) Types of Anemia
• 7) Some heart problems
There are potentially other areas where the use of stem cells may in future come more into prominance as it is an area where there is a major amount of research.
Viability and Competition
There are voices that say that this system is not a majorly useful method and their arguements are as follows:-
• 1) The chances of getting one of the diseases that can be helped by stem cell usage is very small in children.
• 2) The Cord Blood is only of use whilst the person is a child or small adult.
• 3) There is an alternative in bone marrow which is a good match and can deal with adults as well and engraphment takes less time than cord blood.
The arguements for the use of Cord Blood are as follows:-
• 1) The Cord Blood is available when required as it is in storage and available for immediate use.
• 2) Bone marrow is difficult and painful to collect and it takes valuable time when treatment is essential.
• 3) Although the chances may be small of getting any of the diseases it is significant (and imperative if it is you) and particularly if there are hereditary problems.
• 4) As it is more primitive then transplants can be achieved with a less than perfect match.
• 5) Medical Insurers prefer Cord Blood as the costs are significantly lower.
Cord Blood Costs
The collection and storage is usually something that has to be carried out by private medical Cord Blood Banks and the fees vary although the initial costs are not too high. There are some public Cord Blood Banks but acceptance into these is limited. The usage at a later date can be expensive dependent on the usage required but this can be insured for under typical medical insurance.
The best thing is to talk the Cord Blood Banks and the Cord Blood Surgeries and ask the right questions compare what you find out and make the decisions accordingly.
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