General
Facing the future
With cordblood stem cells’ potential to treat disease, uk parents now have the option of saving their baby’s umbilical cordblood for future use. Dr David Matzilevich from UK Cord Blood Bank explains
What are stem cells and where are they found?
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Stem cells are nature’s building blocks and are responsible for the body’s ongoing maintenance. They are present in our regenerating tissue (including the skin, peripheral blood, bone marrow and the gastro-intestinal tract) and in umbilical cord blood. They are also found in human embryos, although these do not yet have any therapeutic value.
How are stem cells being used today? |
Stem cells are constantly hard at work throughout the body. They can be extracted from different sources and transplanted into patients to help treat numerous illnesses:
- Bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells have been used for decades to treat a wide range of blood disorders and immune system deficiencies. They are also used to repair the bone marrow following chemotherapy.
- Umbilical cord blood stem cells work in exactly the same way as bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells, though unlike these sources a 100% match between the donor and recipient is not always necessary. They also provide an effective treatment for sickle cell anaemia.
So cord blood stem cells are being used today?
Cord blood is now widely recognised as an alternative to bone marrow and peripheral blood. Over 6,000 successful transplants using cord blood stem cells have been done worldwide so far, using samples that have been both donated to public banks and stored privately.
How might cord blood stem cells be used in the future?
Although there are no guarantees, cord blood stem cells have certain characteristics that give them significant potential. Researchers around the world are actively investigating whether these stem cells might one day help treat heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.
Will I ever need my baby’s cord blood stem cells?
If there is no history of blood-related cancers, leukaemias or immune system deficiencies in your family, there is a very small chance you will need your baby’s cord blood stem cells. If a member of your family does fall ill, there are other sources of stem cells available. Storing your cord blood stem cells is simply another option to consider, one that will ensure you have immediate access to the stem cells, should you ever need them.
How is my baby’s cord blood collected?
Collecting the blood from the umbilical cord is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure. It is done after the baby has been born and the cord clamped. A needle is inserted into the cord and the blood inside is allowed to flow into a collection bag. The process takes around five minutes. The collected blood is then processed in our laboratory and the stem cells extracted for storage.
Who does the collection?
If you are considering cord blood storage, check with your delivery hospital to find out whether they will collect the blood for you. Hospitals throughout the UK have different policies and UKCBB offers the services of an independent nursing agency, just in case your hospital is unable to assist you.
Is cord blood storage for me?
UKCBB is the most experienced provider of private cord blood storage services in the UK and will work with you to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
For more information, contact:
UK Cord Blood Bank Ltd.
Tel: 020 7291 4569
E-mail: info@cordbloodbank.co.uk
Website: www.cordbloodbank.co.uk
