Everything You Want to Know About the Cord Blood Stem Cell Collection

Until the advent of cord blood banking, umbilical cord blood was considered a medical waste product. Today, it is not so anymore. Medical practitioners, researchers, and ordinary people are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of umbilical cord blood, thus encouraging people to preserve their newborns' cord blood in a cord blood bank. The collection, processing, storage, and retrieval of cord blood is simple.

Collection: After the baby is born, the doctor clamps and cuts the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is then collected in a pouch and handed over to the cord blood bank courier agent. The agent delivers the package to the designated cord blood bank.

Processing: Once the umbilical cord reaches the cord blood bank, it is appropriately labeled and sent for processing. The umbilical cord blood unit is processed in a closed system within specified air quality and cleanliness. The processing of the cord blood unit is completed within 72 hours of receiving it.

Storage: After processing, the umbilical cord blood units are sent for cryopreservation. They are stored in proper cryogenic freezing bags at -150°C. Standard operating procedures are maintained for the cord blood's viability, potency, and stability to avoid contamination. Appropriate alarm systems are in place that notify when temperature changes occur.

Release: Before releasing the cord blood, proper tests are conducted to check their viability. A cold storage unit is used to transport the umbilical cord blood. The unit is appropriately labeled, and the intended recipient's name and destination are mentioned. Other details like shipping records, time of dispatch, and details about the unit are also mentioned.

Conclusion

Umbilical cord blood banking can help to treat patients with 80+ diseases. The process of collecting and saving cord blood is simple. A simple procedure can save the future of your child.