Umbilical Cord Tissue – The Latest in Cord Blood Banking Technology
Throughout pregnancy, the continued growth and development of your baby is fueled by stem cells created in the umbilical cord and placenta. These stem cells are the building blocks of your baby’s brain, nervous tissues, bones, muscles, fat, cartilage, and connective tissues.
What Makes Mesenchymal Stem Cells So Valuable?
Mesenchymal stem cells are different from hematopoietic stem cells found in umbilical cord blood. They are more primitive and can differentiate into tissues such as bone, muscle, and cartilage.
Why is it a Good Idea to Store My Baby’s Umbilical Cord Tissue?
Storing your baby’s umbilical cord tissue preserves a valuable source of mesenchymal stem cells that might otherwise be discarded as medical waste.
When Should I Decide?
Your personalized collection kit contains everything needed to collect your baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue. Include it when shipping your baby’s sample for processing.
- What is umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue?
- What are stem cells?
- Why should I consider banking my baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue?
- What types of diseases are treated with stem cell transplantation?
- How are umbilical cord-derived stem cells different from others?
- Why are doctors turning to cord blood instead of bone marrow?
- What future applications are expected for cord blood and tissue?
- What is graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)?
- What is HLA matching?
- How long can cord blood be stored effectively?
- How long has cord blood been collected?
- When is my baby’s cord blood and tissue collected?
- How is my baby’s cord blood and tissue collected?
- Is the amount collected important?
- Are there risks during the collection process?
- Does the hospital need to provide materials for collection?
- How does a C-section affect the collection process?
What is cord blood and cord tissue?
During pregnancy, the placenta delivers "cord blood" to the baby through the umbilical cord, serving as a lifeline of nourishment. At birth, cord blood remains in the umbilical cord and placenta. Until recently, this valuable resource was typically discarded. However, cord blood and tissue contain unique "stem cells" that are genetically specific to your baby.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the body’s "master cells," capable of developing into various tissues and organs, including the heart, liver, immune system, and more. They can repair damaged hearts, brains, and spinal cords and are used in the treatment of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and diabetes.
Why should I consider banking my baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue?
Umbilical cord blood and tissue are rich in stem cells. Banking them at birth ensures they remain in their purest form, free from aging and degradation. This process provides a future resource for potential treatments, offering your baby a unique biological advantage.
What types of diseases are treated with stem cell transplantation?
Stem cells are used in the treatment of over 50 diseases, including various cancers, blood disorders, and immune deficiencies. For a complete list of conditions treated with stem cells, click here.
How are umbilical cord-derived stem cells different from others?
Umbilical cord-derived stem cells are "immature" and genetically unique to your baby. They are free from the controversy associated with embryonic stem cells and do not face the biological degradation seen in adult stem cells, like those from bone marrow.
How does a C-section affect the collection process?
Cord blood and tissue can still be collected safely during a C-section. The collection process remains the same and does not interfere with the delivery or safety of the baby and mother.