Cord blood, the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth, contains a rich concentration of hematopoietic stem cells. These specialized cells have unique properties and potential applications. The process of collecting and preserving this cord blood, known as cord blood banking, allows for its future use.
The Medical Value of Cord Blood
Cord blood derives its medical significance from the hematopoietic stem cells it contains. These cells develop into various types of blood and immune cells. They are used in stem cell transplantation to replace diseased or damaged cells with healthy ones.
Cord blood stem cells treat over 80 different diseases. These include cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and aplastic anemia, and certain inherited immune system deficiencies and metabolic disorders. Compared to stem cells from other sources like bone marrow, cord blood stem cells offer advantages such as a lower risk of graft-versus-host disease and less stringent matching requirements, expanding access to transplantation. Research continues to explore their potential for conditions like cerebral palsy and autism.
Who Can Donate Cord Blood
Eligibility to donate cord blood depends on factors focusing on the health of the birthing parent and baby, ensuring donation safety and viability. Generally, the mother must be at least 18 years old. The pregnancy should be a single birth, as multiple gestations can affect cord blood volume or quality.
Medical history is reviewed, including screening for infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Certain cancers in the mother, baby’s father, or baby’s siblings can disqualify a donation. Recent tattoos or piercings with non-sterile equipment, or certain medications or vaccines, might also make a mother ineligible. Public cord blood banks have specific criteria, and not all hospitals are collection sites, so check in advance.
Steps for Cord Blood Donation
Donating cord blood involves steps that begin before the baby’s arrival. The initial phase involves contacting a cord blood bank and registering your intent to donate, often recommended by 28 to 34 weeks of pregnancy. This early registration allows time to complete paperwork and receive collection materials. During this period, you complete health history forms and provide informed consent. A blood sample is also taken from the birthing parent to screen for infectious diseases.
The cord blood collection occurs immediately after birth, once the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. This procedure is non-invasive and poses no risk to either the birthing parent or the newborn. A healthcare provider inserts a sterile needle into the umbilical vein, allowing residual blood to drain into a specialized collection bag. The entire collection process is quick, lasting only a few minutes.
Following collection, the cord blood unit is packaged and sent to the chosen cord blood bank. Upon arrival, the blood undergoes testing to assess its volume, cell count, and confirm the absence of infectious diseases. If the sample meets storage criteria, it is processed and cryopreserved for long-term banking. If the cord blood does not meet transplantation standards, it may be used for research or safely discarded.
Choosing a Cord Blood Bank
When considering cord blood banking, parents encounter two primary options: public donation or private family banking. Public cord blood banks operate on an altruistic model, collecting and storing cord blood for use by any patient needing a stem cell transplant. Donating to a public bank is free for the donor family, as costs are covered by the bank or external funding. However, donating to a public bank means the family gives up ownership, and there is no guarantee it will be available for their own future use.
In contrast, private cord blood banks store collected cord blood exclusively for the donor family’s potential future use. This option ensures the cord blood is a perfect genetic match for the child and a partial match for close family members, offering immediate access if needed. Private banking involves costs, including an initial collection and processing fee ($1,000-$3,000) and ongoing annual storage fees ($100-$300 per year). While private banks offer exclusive access, some may store units that do not meet the cell count criteria required by public banks for transplantation. The decision often depends on a family’s financial situation, medical history, and desire for altruistic contribution versus personalized access.