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 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 |
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Red Blood
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White Blood
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Platelets
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Carry oxygen to all cells in the body
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Fight infection
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Assist blood clotting in the event of injury
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View a Video on Stem Cells
