Stem cells are a special type of cells that can transform into other types of cells in the body. These unique cells aid in healing and recovery. As per the researchers, stem cells can be used to treat various illnesses, some of which are still considered incurable. Hence, stem cells transplantation can be a life savior for people with rare diseases. Stem cell transplantation has three sources, one of which is cord blood.

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placentas after childbirth. It is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells. These stem cells can morph into different types of blood cells i.e., red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. They can be helpful in the treatment of diseases like cancer, leukemia, and sickle cell anemia.

Stem cell banks collect processes and cryogenically preserve these cells for future usage. In absence of stem cells, this useful resource will be discarded as medical waste. Hence, stem cell banks are a vital and incredible resource for the future.

Stem cell transplantation

Stem cells transplantation is a process where a sick person receives an infusion of healthy stem cells to enable faster healing and recovery. Cancer patients go through intense treatment methods like chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can adversely impact the immune system and the blood-forming cells in the marrow. A stem cell transplantation can help restore healthy stem cells on the body, provide aid to the immune system, and enable faster healing.

How stem cell banks are helpful?

Stem cell banks take all the measures to maintain favorable conditions during storage and transportation. Private cord blood banks also ensure that the cells remain viable and are available at the time and location of transplantation. However, stem cell banking costs with a private bank are higher.

Cord blood transplantation is a better alternative when compared to the other two sources of stem cells i.e., bone marrow and peripheral blood. This can be especially beneficial for people with mixed ethnicity and uncommon tissue types.

Other stem cell transplantation methods require the donor to be a close match. However, in the case of cord blood transplantation partial matches can also benefit from the transplant.

Stem cell transplantation is also less prone to graft-versus-host disease. Our immune system keeps an inventory of all the cells in the body. After the infusion of stem cells, the immune system may identify these cells as foreign objects and start attacking them. This is commonly referred to as the graft-versus-host disease.

At present, Cord blood transplantation can help in the treatment of 80 rare diseases like cancer, anemia, and sickle cell anemia. However, as per the researchers, there is potential for even more.

Various studies are aimed at learning the therapeutic and regenerative usage of stem cells. Stem cell banks preserve the cord blood cells and justify the stem cell banking costs with their numerous benefits.

Some of the benefits of stem cell banks are as follows:

• Convenience

Stem cell banks make the process of cord blood storage extremely convenient. All you have to do is contact private or public cord blood banks and complete the registration process. The bank makes all the arrangements for the collection, processing, and storage of stem cells.

• Safety

Stem cell banks make sure that the cord blood of your child remains viable for future medical usage. They also ensure the availability of stem cells at the place and time of transplant.

• Stem Cell Banking Costs

The cost of banking the stem cells of your child consist of the registration fee to be paid upfront and a periodic payment for the storage of stem cells. However, with an affordable cord blood bank of $19.99/month, you can ensure that your child’s cord blood remains available for future medical emergencies.

The stem cells banking cost with a public bank is nil. However, the stem cells are not kept for the exclusive use of your family. The public cord blood bank can use the cord blood for Allogeneic transplants if a potential match is found. The cells can also be used for research purposes.