Cord Blood And Cord Tissue Banking: What Is It, And Why Do You Need It?
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Three minutes. Has it been three minutes yet? Three minutes is basically an eternity, or at least it feels that way. Okay… it’s been three minutes. And it’s confirmed— you’re pregnant!
Fast forward a few months— the belly bump is surely bumpin’, and doctor appointments have become second nature. Then one day your OBGYN says this—cord blood and cord tissue banking. Huh?
What is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the blood that remains inside your baby’s umbilical cord right after baby is born. This stuff is PRECIOUS (really precious). Located within your baby’s cord blood are special stem cells called hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), or blood-forming cells. These cells are the building blocks of our blood and the foundation of our immune system. So basically, this stuff keeps us healthy and happy! HSCs can reproduce into three major types of cells: red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout our bodies; white blood cells, which fight off infections, and platelets, which create clots to prevent the body from excessive bleeding.
Needless to say, cord blood stem cells are pretty amazing. So amazing that they are FDA approved to treat nearly 80 clinical blood-related cancers and diseases. Research continues to show that cord blood can treat additional illnesses like Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Pediatric Stroke. Incredible, right? We think so.
Why Should I Consider Cord Blood Banking?
The better question is why wouldn’t you consider this? Stem cells from your child's cord blood could be used to treat nearly 80 blood-related diseases, from leukemia to lymphomas. This means a rich, genetically matched treatment for your child if he or she gets diagnosed. Infusing these cord blood stem cells into your child’s body can boost the immune system and repopulate new blood cells, a treatment unlike any other. These cells are genetically specific to your family, and would provide a perfect match for your little one. But wait— it keeps getting better.
One of the most incredible things about cord blood stem cells is the ability to use them for additional family members. You read that right! Relatives can benefit from this stuff too! Siblings, parents, and even grandparents have a 25%-75% match for clinical use. Your child’s stem cells may be able to treat his or her brother or sister. Now that’s something!
What is Cord Tissue?
You’ve heard all about the greatness of cord blood, but what about cord tissue? Cord tissue refers to the actual umbilical cord itself that connect you and baby during pregnancy. Cord tissue is revolutionary—more incredible than you could even imagine. Cord tissue stem cells are called Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and are multi-potent, meaning they have the ability to develop into more than one different type of cell. MSCs have shown the ability to regenerate bone, tendons, neurons, and cartilage, meaning that it can repair muscles and regenerate organs in the body. Now that’s some good science!
Why Should I Bank Cord Tissue?
Cord tissue is so special that it’s one of the most studied discoveries in regenerative medicine. With over 200 clinical trials worldwide, the uses of MSCs are being studied 2:1. These cells are currently used and studied to treat Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, organ repair, burn victims, and more. Mesenchymal Stem Cells pretty much rock.
Here’s the best part—unlike cord blood stem cells, MSCs have a 100% engraftment rate among all family members. In other words, your child, his or her siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and MORE, would be able to use your child’s cord tissue stem cells for treatment. The more the merrier, right?
Basically, Everyone Needs This.
The benefits of storing your baby’s cord blood and cord tissue are absolutely exponential. Cord blood and cord tissue stem cells can provide your family with the opportunity to treat your child or family member like nothing else out there. We believe that every single family on the planet deserves this opportunity. We’d love to be those people to help your family make it a reality.
At AlphaCord, our mission is to provide the most affordable cord blood and cord tissue stem cell banking available, while maintaining the industry's highest scientific standards in our sample processing and storage. We’re proud to say that we’re successful in that mission.
Contact us at 866-396-7283 for more information about cord blood and tissue banking.
THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you have a medical emergency or question, immediately call your doctor or dial 911 for assistance.SaveSaveSaveSave
