Why It Is So Important To Store Cord Blood

Potential Sibling Use

If there is a history of certain diseases in the family, new members have an increased likelihood of needing a stem cell transplant at one point or another in their life. Because of this, it is wise to bank the cord blood as well as tissue from all pregnancies in the family. The main reason being that a child with a genetic disease will have superior treatment when treated with cord blood from a sibling. Those with a minority ethnic or mixed-race background may find searching for a matching stem cell donor to be a challenge if they do not bank the blood of previous family members.

Research Reveals Exciting Future Uses

Stem cell research is garnering significant attention, and for good reason. Successful medical breakthroughs and transplants prove to expectant parents that storing cord blood is more of a necessity. Some of the areas of interest include diabetes, HIV, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and much more. The promises of cures and treatments of using cord blood show the importance and benefits of saving the blood. Anyone who is interested in doing so should contact a blood bank within their locality to find out more information on this process. This extra step could provide a child with an exact stem cell match as a future guarantee for treatment possibilities.