About Cord Blood

What is cord blood?

Cord blood, also called “placental blood”, is blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following the birth of a baby. During pregnancy, the umbilical cord functions as a lifeline between mother and child. After a baby’s delivery, the cord blood present in the umbilical cord could offer hope for the child or members of the family.

What are cord blood stem cells?

Cord blood, also called “placental blood”, is blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following the birth of a baby and after the umbilical cord is cut. During pregnancy, the umbilical cord functions as a lifeline between mother and child. After a baby’s delivery, the cord blood present in the umbilical cord could offer hope for the child or members of the family.

Cord blood is a rich source of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are primarily responsible for replenishing blood and regenerating the immune system. They have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types found in blood as depicted in the diagram below:

Blood and immune cells
Red Blood	White Blood	Platelets
Carry oxygen to all cells in the body	Fight infection	Assist blood clotting in the event of injury