How does umbilical cord blood work

It is rich in blood stem cells, similar to those found in bone marrow, and these can be used to treat many different cancers, immune deficiencies and genetic disorders. Blood-producing stem cells called haematopoietic stem cells are present in cord blood.

These cells are what we call 'unspecialised', which means that they have the ability to develop into those parts of the blood that the patient's body requires; whether red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. Following the birth of your baby, your placenta is normally thrown away along with the cord blood that is in it.

Thanks to scientific research in this field, we are constantly discovering more and more diseases and conditions that can be successfully treated with stem cells found within cord blood. For the transplant to be a success, stem cells taken from the cord blood must match the patient's tissue type as closely as possible. So, for patients to have the best chance of a 'match' we need to store as many cord blood donations as possible, and we can't do this without you.

It provides oxygen and nutrients to a growing baby, and removes waste products from the baby's blood. The cord contains blood vessels that help carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the baby, and take blood with waste away from the baby. The blood that flows through the placenta and umbilical cord has a high concentration of stem cells.

Stem cells develop to become mature blood cells including:. Stem cells are an important treatment for many diseases, including cancer, blood disorders, and genetic and metabolic diseases. High level of bilirubin in the newborn has many causes, which could be due to infections the baby gets.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results. Most hospitals routinely collect cord blood for testing at birth. The process is fairly easy and this is the only time when this type of blood sample can be collected. You can also decide to bank or donate cord blood at the time of your delivery. Cord blood can be used to treat certain types of bone marrow-related cancers.

Some parents may choose to save bank their child's cord blood for this and other future medical purposes. Cord blood banking for personal use is done by both cord blood banks and private companies. There is a charge for the service if you use a private service.

If you choose to bank your infant's cord blood, you should talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of different options. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Greco NJ, Elkins M. Tissue banking and progenitor cells. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; chap Waldorf KMA. Maternal-fetal immunology. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 4. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Editorial team. Doctors St.

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