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Stem cells from cord blood are different from embryonic stem cells that come from developing human or animal embryos. Cord blood stem cells do not come from embryos. In the past, cord blood was usually discarded after the infant was delivered. Cord blood can now be collected and stored in a cord blood bank for future use.
- Leukemia;
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes;
- Lymphoma;
- Anemias;
- Sickle Cell Disease;
- Disorders of blood cell proliferation;
- Inherited disorders of the immune system and other organs;
- Inherited metabolic disorders; and
- Solid tumors not originating in the blood or immune system.
Treatment of these disorders using cord blood is not experimental. Research on emerging therapies in which the patient’s own cells are used to repair the body may increase the use of cord blood that is stored for personal use. Scientists are studying whether cord blood can be used to treat other common disorders of the heart, bones, liver, and brain, as well as other conditions including diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease.
For a complete list of diseases and conditions in which postnatal donation tissue is standard therapy, is in clinical trials or is experimental, please visit Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation.
After your baby is born, cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord and placed in a special container that is sent to a cord blood bank. The cord blood and mother’s blood samples are then processed and tested. If the mother’s blood sample identifies the presence of infectious disease, she will be notified. Once the cord blood bank decides the cord blood can be used, it is stored for future use.
Public Cord Blood Banking
Public cord blood banks collect and store donated cord blood stem cells for use with anyone who is in need of a stem cell transplantation. They do not charge donation fees. Public banks do not reserve the umbilical cord blood for the family that donated them. The donations are made available to the general public in order to find the best match. No information about you or your baby is provided to the patient receiving the cord blood. Each year, many adults and children receive life-saving treatment from umbilical cord blood that families have chosen to publicly donate.
Cord blood does not have to be exactly matched to the patient receiving it, but when donated cells closely match the patient, their chances of transplant success improve. Patients are more likely to match someone who shares their racial or ethnic heritage. Cord blood donations are very important to secure transplants for patients who are of minority or mixed heritage, as the need for donations is great but the supply is small.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends public donation of umbilical cord blood for all families; however, private banking can be considered only if a full sibling has a medical diagnosis for which stem cells are being used for treatment.
Private Cord Blood Banking
A private cord blood bank is a commercial, for-profit organization that advertises directly to parents. If you choose to store your cord blood privately, it will only be available for use by your family and will not be available to public banks for unrelated transplants or research. Private banking allows you to have your baby’s cord blood collected and stored for your baby or another close family member if ever needed. Private donation banks usually charge an initial fee for collection and processing and then charge an annual fee for storage. Banking your baby’s cord blood in a private bank might provide a match for your baby or siblings. However, there is no guarantee that the cord blood will be a match or will be used in the future.
Choosing either a public or private cord blood bank is a personal decision that you should make for yourself after reviewing information and having a discussion with your health care provider.
If you choose to save your baby’s cord blood in a private cord blood bank where it will be available only to your baby and family members, the cost could be $2,000 or higher when your baby is born. A yearly storage fee is also charged. Private banks do not typically charge a fee for the release of the cord blood to your family. There are some family banking programs available for free for those who have a sibling or family member with a condition treated by stem cells, such as Sickle Cell Anemia.
