Stem cell banking is the procedure of retrieving and cryogenizing your own stem cells from your umbilical cord and then storing them in a laboratory for future possible medical use. Since cord blood is highly inter-related with cord blood banking, often it's used as a catch all term for the different cells that are stored together. Stem cells are actually the building blocks of life; they are found in every cell in our body.
In some rare situations, the cells may be lost from the umbilical cord before the child is born. However, if you have your baby and you decide to save your baby's cord blood for possible future medical purposes; you can do so by undergoing a stem cell transplant. This is where the stem cells from your baby's umbilical cord are harvested and then transplanted into your body. This is a relatively new procedure that has been around for about 10 years and is already gaining popularity.
There are also two main types of stem cell banking; Gestational Transfer and Adoption Recipients. Gestational Transfer is when your baby's stem cells are collected during the pregnancy and then used later by the mother or intended parents to help her fight off certain diseases. These cells are then stored in the mother's own blood until use by the child.
They are then harvested and divided either through surgery or with the help of tissue engineering and placed into the baby's blood stream. The stem cells are then returned to the original donor, who will use them to help repair damaged immune system tissue, which can help to prevent disease in the future.
Adult stem cells are also being stored in adult stem cell banking. In this process, adult stem cells are taken from the body of an older adult, fertilized with sperm from the husband or wife of the donors, and then stored for possible future use. Depending on the type of treatment involved, the stem cells may be tested for disease, age, and other factors to determine whether it would be helpful to the patient. As a result, adult stem cells are often used to replace the body's declining cells, such as skin and muscle tissue.
Stem cell banking has provided hope to many sick and disabled people who have a need for their own stem cells, but cannot afford to purchase them from a hospital or medical center. By receiving a specialized banking service from a private clinic, these people are now able to live normal, healthy lives. Stem cells obtained from donation is also beneficial to researchers, who use the cells to find a cure for various diseases and disorders. Without the donated cells, a cure could not possibly be discovered.
When a person is born with a genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis, a bone marrow transplant may be the only option. But, there are times when a person may need a transplant regardless of his or her genetic makeup. In this case, stem cells may be the perfect solution.