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Cord Blood Banking
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The term ‘Cord Blood Banking’ refers
to the collection, processing and preservation of blood
obtained from the Umbilical Cord and placenta of a baby
after birth. The procedure for Cord Blood Banking is
completely painless for mother and infant and poses
no physical risks. Umbilical Cord Blood is valuable
medically because it contains ‘stem cells’.
Stem cells are cells that are not yet
highly specialized. Stem cells can be transformed into more
differentiated cells such as red blood cells which transport
oxygen through the body, white blood cells, which combat
infection, or platelets which are instrumental in blood
clotting. Stem cells obtained from Umbilical Cord Blood
can be used to treat literally dozens of life-threatening
diseases including certain types of cancer, blood diseases,
genetic diseases, metabolic diseases, and immunodeficiencies.
Deciding whether Cord Blood Banking is right for you can be
a simple or more complex decision depending on your
circumstances.
Private Cord Blood Banks market their
services to parents as an ‘insurance policy’ against
potential future illness. The initial cost for collection
and processing of Cord Blood ranges from approximately $900
to $1800. There are many private cord blood banks to choose
from. Some are licensed while others are unlicensed. |
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