Benefits of Cord Blood Banking

Do you know what cord blood banking is?

Well, cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells and there are blood banks that preserve these cells for the future.

But why?

These cells are utilized for treating 70+ diseases and pregnant women can decide if they want to opt for this option or not.

You can read this article to find out all about cord blood banking, its pros, cons, and other utilities.

Stay tuned with us and know all about the benefits of cord blood banking. 

What Is Cord Blood Banking?

Cord blood banking is the process of storing potentially life-saving blood cells that are present in the baby’s placenta and umbilical cord.

The blood contains stem cells that are not mature but can take the shape of any cell if stored well.

Hence, it is another headache stored in the head of expecting parents. So, if you are one of them, ask for professional support and to take the right decision.

People used to throw this blood before, but parents prefer storing it now to ensure a secured future for their children.

It means cord blood banking is indeed an impressive technology that can alter the future of medical professionals noticeably. 

Benefits

Now that you are all caught up on what cord blood banking is and how it progresses, you must know what benefits it has. Even though it can potentially cure a lot of chronic diseases, that’s not the only benefit it has.

So, let’s find them out:

• Not only the child to whom the cord blood belongs, but it can also help other people too in getting a transplant. That’s because, unlike bone marrow transplants, this one does not have to match the blood of the receiving person so intensely.

• People undergoing cancer treatment often require help from stem cells. Now, the stem cells from bone marrow are not as effective in supporting a cancer patient as the cord cells are.

• Apart from supporting your immune system, collecting and storing cord blood is hassle-free unlike storing bone marrow. It is less complicated and less risky for the person from whom the blood is being extracted.

• Neither the mother nor the child is put at any risk while collecting the cord blood because it is completely scientific and backed with ample scientific examples. You can store it in a cold place and it will always stay ready to be used when needed.

• You can even donate cord blood to any public blood bank for free. Thus, it will be equally useful for your child or for others who may or may not have any chronic disease to deal with.

Drawbacks

No, the process is not all rainbows and unicorns. There are of course some drawbacks to this whole process because otherwise, it would have looked pitch-perfect.

So, let’s find out the drawbacks of cord blood banking right here.

• Storing the cord blood in a private blood bank is an easier process but it is pretty expensive. On the other hand, storing it in a public bank is free but the process is time-consuming and filled with hassles.

• Cord blood does not contain many stem cells. Even though they are useful for a newborn, they won’t be as useful in the future and people will need them from other donors to complete the treatment.

• People don’t get enough time to think about the cord blood banking process thoroughly. They must provide their consent in collecting the blood before the labor pain starts, which is not a suitable time to make such a serious decision.

• Not all public blood banks store cord blood and finding the one that does is a timely process. On top of that, not everyone is eligible for donating cord blood yet there are no specific guidelines on it.

• Storing cord blood and using them in the future for critical surgery comes with the same cost as with a transplant from a stranger. Hence, the actual purpose of cord blood banking is not accomplished here.

We would like to add one thing before we recommend anything…

Cord blood banking is expensive. Apart from the overall cost of the process, which averages around $1,500-$2,500, there are also annual fees of $125 that vary from institution to institution, although some cord blood banking companies do offer more affordable rates.

If cost is not a factor for you, storing cord blood is actually a good decision.

Hence, we think you should absolutely go for it.

Let us know in the comment box which decision you took and how it worked out.