Cord blood, the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth, is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These specialized cells can develop into all types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This unique capability makes cord blood a valuable biological resource for various medical applications, particularly in regenerating damaged blood and immune systems.
Cord Blood Storage and Its Viability
The process of preserving cord blood involves cryopreservation, freezing the cells at extremely low temperatures, typically in liquid nitrogen. This method halts metabolic activity, effectively putting the cells into a “sleep mode” to maintain their viability over long periods. Before freezing, the cord blood is processed to isolate the stem cells, often by removing red blood cells and plasma, and a cryoprotectant is added to prevent cell damage.
Scientific research demonstrates the long-term viability of cryopreserved cord blood stem cells. Studies show these cells can remain functional for decades when properly stored. For instance, research from Dr. Hal Broxmeyer, a pioneer in cord blood cryogenic storage, confirmed viability after 27 years in frozen storage. This stability is supported by successful transplants, including a leukemia patient treated with a 20-year-old unit and an aplastic anemia patient who received their own 19-year-old stored cord blood.
The scientific consensus suggests that properly cryopreserved stem cells can remain viable indefinitely, though the practical tested timeframe for cord blood storage is currently around 29 years. This is due to the relatively recent widespread adoption of cord blood banking, which has only been available for just over three decades. The technical “shelf life” appears to be quite long, as biological activity ceases at cryogenic temperatures below -170 degrees Celsius.
Deciding on Storage Duration
Families consider several factors when determining how long to store cord blood. A primary consideration is the potential for future medical use, as cord blood stem cells currently treat over 80 diseases, including blood cancers, genetic disorders, and immune deficiencies. Ongoing research is also expanding therapeutic possibilities, with clinical trials exploring new applications in regenerative medicine for conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and type 1 diabetes.
A family’s medical history often influences the perceived need for longer storage. If there is a history of stem cell-treatable diseases within the family, stored cord blood could be a valuable resource for the child or a close relative. Cord blood offers advantages over other stem cell sources, such as less stringent matching requirements and a lower risk of graft-versus-host disease. However, a child’s own cord blood may not be suitable for treating genetic conditions or certain cancers if it contains the same underlying issue.
Financial considerations also play a role, as private cord blood banking involves initial processing fees and ongoing annual storage costs. Initial processing can range from $1,500 to $3,000, with annual storage fees typically between $175 and $250. These accumulating costs influence a family’s decision on storage duration, leading some to consider long-term payment plans or lifetime options.
The age of the individual for whom cord blood is stored affects its utility over time. While the highest probability of use is often within the first few decades of life, stem cell treatments, particularly for hematological disorders, can be needed into adulthood. Even if a cord blood collection is too small for a full transplant in an older child or adult, it may still contain enough cells for regenerative medicine therapies.
Storage duration decisions differ significantly between public and private banking. Public cord blood banks accept donations for general use by unrelated patients or for research, typically at no cost to the donor. In contrast, private banking reserves the sample exclusively for the family’s use, providing a guaranteed resource but requiring payment. Public banks increase the diversity of available units for the broader community, while private banking offers a personalized approach for future family needs.
Options for Stored Cord Blood
Families who have stored cord blood face several practical scenarios regarding its future. Continued storage remains an option as long as associated annual or long-term fees are paid. Properly cryopreserved cells maintain technical viability for many decades, allowing families to maintain access to the sample for potential future medical needs.
If a family decides to discontinue private storage, they typically submit a formal request to the cord blood bank. The stored unit is then usually discarded according to the bank’s protocols. Some private banks may offer the option to donate the cord blood unit to a public bank or for research, provided it meets specific criteria. This allows the unit to potentially benefit others.
Transferring a cord blood sample between accredited storage facilities is also possible, though less common. This option might be considered if a family relocates or wishes to move their sample to a different bank for specific services or long-term plans. The primary focus for families is often whether to maintain private storage or explore discontinuation or donation alternatives.