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Can you bank on it?
Bub Hub E-Newsletter, June 2007, Issue 58 - Article 4
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Could storing your baby's cord blood offer him a lifeline in years to come? Mother&Baby Magazine investigates. There's a new question making the rounds among pregnant women across the country, 'Are you storing your baby's cord blood?' Great, you're thinking, just when you had enough to worry about along comes another decision you have to make! While it is a complex area - not without controversy - we've looked into the subject to help you make the best decision for you and your baby. |
What is cord blood?
As the name suggests, it is the blood found in your baby's umbilical cord and placenta that is generally thrown out after birth. But there is now a push to save the blood because it is rich with stem cells. Those last two words probably spark alarm bells to you as there are ethical debates regarding stem cell research, but it must be pointed out that cord blood stem cells research is vastly different to embryonic stem cell research ?blood stem cells are not used for cloning and the research does not carry the same ethical concerns.
What can it do?
The stem cells found in cord blood are the building blocks of blood. They form white cells that fight infection, as well as red cells and platelets. These stem cells can be transplanted into patients whose own cells have been damaged by disease.
In bone marrow transplants, blood cells must be strongly matched making it more difficult to find a compatible donor. Because cord blood cells are 'younger' and have a greater potential to assume different forms, they are a better option.
Stem cells have been used to treat conditions such as leukaemia, cancer, immune deficiencies and anaemia. They can also be used to treat a range of genetic illnesses. Recently, stem cells have been used to repair heart muscle after a heart attack and they seem to imitate cells of the pancreas and nerves.
Which bank?
At the moment, most diseases can't be treated with your own cord blood. "We wouldn't use your own stem cells for something
like leukaemia or genetic disorder. We would have the best outcome using someone else's stem cells," explains Professor Marcus Vowel, director of the Sydney Cord Blood Bank. The most suitable cord blood would be found in the public blood bank system. In fact, there is a 90% chance that a match will be available in the public bank. Parents are encouraged to donate to a public bank for the benefit of sick people needing a transplant. However, you also make a donation for a family member waiting on a bone marrow transplant.
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You may be aware there are now private banks that offer to store your baby's cord blood for 'autologous' or self-use purposes. But if the best match will most likely come from another baby's cord blood from a public bank, why would parents pay to store their baby's cord blood in a private bank? The biggest incentive is based on the future developments in stem cell technology. As millions of dollars are being put into stem cell research there is the potential that a baby's own cord blood could be used to treat various diseases. |
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While some private blood banks may compare their service to taking out 'insurance' against diseases such as leukaemia, Dr David Roberts from private blood bank BioCell says this marketing practice is "misleading, and exploits fear in the parents." As the private banking service is based on the anticipation of future developments in stem cell technology, he says cord blood banking is "an investment, not an insurance." He adds, the diseases it will most like treat will be most likely the diseases of degeneration. "This is because 'degeneration' is all about the ageing of stem cells in the body and autologous cells do not have the immune mismatch problem," he explains.
How is it collected?
Whether you choose a public or private bank, the collection of the blood is performed the same way. After you've delivered your baby, and the cord is clamped and cut, a needle is inserted into the umbilical vein and blood drawn into a collection bag. About 90ml, or a third of a cup, is then collected. The process is completely painless and does not change the normal vaginal or caesarean delivery. You will also have to provide a medical history and give a blood sample.
The cord blood will be taken to a laboratory for processing and testing. If the blood is free from infection, it will be stored cryogenically at or below -180C.
For more information, see the Bub Hub cord blood services page with contact details for public and private cord blood banks.
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Article appears in the June/July issue of Mother&Baby magazine. To read more information regarding cord blood and anything relating to pregnancy or parenting, visit the Mother&Baby Website. Or buy our latest issue of Mother&Baby, on sale now. |
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