Cord Blood Information

Cord blood is a relatively new biological research area focused on the umbilical cord blood collected at birth from a new born.
Because the research being conducted is so new, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is closely involved and reported to by researchers. Those participating in cord blood transplants are considered research subjects, thus are monitored closely with resulting information reported, with strict guidelines and principals, to the FDA as well.
Even those women who donate their child's umbilical cord blood fall under the research subjects as well. This ensures that all those involved are carefully protected and monitored while adhering to stringent policies and procedures, even by hospitals in collaboration with study groups.
Although the research is still in its infancy stages, cord bloods, and the hematopietic stems cells that are collected from it, are commonly used as an alternative to bone marrow worldwide. Multiple blood or immune disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and lupus, among a few, are being treated with careful research and documentation regarding each and every case.
Doctors, along with the patients (and/or families) are responsible for deciding which type of stem cell is needed for their patient based upon the research from other transplant feedback. This may also allow for greater consistency in the research pertaining to what does and doesn't work, and seeking answers in less than favorable outcomes.
Cord blood can be banked either privately or publicly. Private banks are often sought for families as a type of insurance, in the event of future illness, accident or medical emergency. This method of banking blood comes with expense, and the rates vary depending upon the cord blood bank used. Public cord blood banking is available for all who may need and request a transplant and does not cost the donor financially. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so those wishing to bank their newborns cord blood should research both options carefully.
Cord blood research holds great promise in the world of medicine. By understanding these cells, how they mature, and their ability to mature into multiple cell types, studying patients, and effectively treating many diseases, cord blood, along with the research, may eventually eliminate diseases completely in the future.