Cord Blood FAQ
What is Cord Blood?
The blood within the umbilical cord and placenta, usually thrown away after birth, is a rich source of blood stem cells. These special cells - also found in bone marrow - produce all the blood cells in the body and can often be used for transplantation.
Why should cord blood be saved?
If you currently have a child with a transplant-treatable condition, a cord blood stem cell transplant may provide hope for a cure, especially since it may not require complete tissue typing (HLA) compatibility.
What conditions are "transplant-treatable"?
Some blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or aplastic anemia, can be treated with a transplant. Certain malignancies, such as leukemia, may respond to transplantation with cord blood, as may some metabolic storage disorders and some genetic immunodeficiencies. If you have questions, call us or talk to your child's specialist.
How is cord blood stored?
Each cord blood unit is processed, tested, preserved in vapor phase liquid nitrogen and stored in laboratory of a cord blood bank.
What is Cord Blood?
The blood within the umbilical cord and placenta, usually thrown away after birth, is a rich source of blood stem cells. These special cells - also found in bone marrow - produce all the blood cells in the body and can often be used for transplantation.
Why should cord blood be saved?
If you currently have a child with a transplant-treatable condition, a cord blood stem cell transplant may provide hope for a cure, especially since it may not require complete tissue typing (HLA) compatibility.
What conditions are "transplant-treatable"?
Some blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or aplastic anemia, can be treated with a transplant. Certain malignancies, such as leukemia, may respond to transplantation with cord blood, as may some metabolic storage disorders and some genetic immunodeficiencies. If you have questions, call us or talk to your child's specialist.
How is cord blood stored?
Each cord blood unit is processed, tested, preserved in vapor phase liquid nitrogen and stored in laboratory of a cord blood bank.