Table of Contents
The delivery room is a silent witness to the arrival of a new life. The baby comes into the world. As a rule, the cord is severed and discarded. Even a few years back, many parents were ignorant of its implications in life. If preserved, it could be a potential medical tool, thanks to its benign impact in treating many medical conditions. Preserved cord blood can be effective in many ways.
Nonetheless, parents are often stuck on the decision between private and public banking. Many parents are unsure whether to preserve stem cells privately or donate them publicly. The debate gets louder. The choices become more difficult. And the myths continue to revolve.
Let’s explore the facts of blood banking, practical insights, and the truth behind misconceptions.
Why Cord Blood Banking Matters
Cord blood carries stem cells with remarkable potential. These stem cells can repair damaged tissues. They are used in treating more than 80 different medical conditions, e.g., cancers of the blood, metabolic and immune disorders.
Worldwide, the use of umbilical cord blood banking is gaining increasing interest. According to the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, the number of cord blood transplants performed globally has already exceeded 40,000. The demand increases as more research is conducted.1
Private stem cell banking is the next step, meaning the cells are protected for the family’s personal use. In effect, it is a biological safety net. It retains life-saving stem cells that can be used to treat many diseases and conditions.
Why Consider Private Banking Over Public Banking?
Public cord blood banking is a great way to support community health. However, it is not without its risks. For example, the donated units may not work for another person. Moreover, they are not available when needed in most cases.
Conversely, private banking is without such risks. So, it locks in access to the newborn’s stem cells. Only the family reserves the right to use the cells. It is also very convenient as you do not have to wait for your turn. If the unit is there, you get it immediately.
Why parents choose private cord blood banking:
- First of all, it guarantees full ownership and control.
- Secondly, it makes a perfect genetic match for the child.
- Moreover, it offers strong compatibility for siblings and parents.
- Besides, it promotes future regenerative therapies under study.
- Additionally, it offers long-term cord blood preservation in good condition with the help of different monitored methods.
Myths and Facts About Cord Blood Banking
Parents are bombarded with doubts, conflicting opinions, and untruths. Let’s explore the cord blood banking myths and truths:
Myth 1: Cord blood is rarely useful.
Fact: The use of blood stem cells is expanding as it can treat a variety of diseases. Some common medical conditions that are treatable include leukaemia, lymphoma, inherited metabolic diseases, and immune deficiency. Modern research continues to explore new therapeutic routes. People will continue to benefit from stem cell preservation as more advanced therapies evolve.
Myth 2: Public banking offers the same advantages.
Fact: The money saved by using a public bank benefits many, but that does not guarantee future access to that bank. Once donated, the unit can be used anywhere. Parents don’t have any control over the use of the blood. On the other hand, the private bank provides ready access in case of an emergency. Thus, it constitutes an essential element of long-term preparedness for health problems.
Myth 3: Stem cells from cord blood expire quickly.
Fact: Cryopreservation is the method that allows for long-term cord blood preservation. Most viability tests on samples preserved for over 20 years display that they are still functional. Additionally, the labs consolidate the preservation methods to keep the samples potent and stable.
Myth 4: Collecting cord blood is unsafe.
Fact: It is a simple, safe execution. The only time it is done is after delivery, when the cord is already detached. No damage happens to the mother and the baby, thanks to the advanced technique of severing the cord. The healthcare professionals perform the procedure with sterile instruments, using care and precision.
Myth 5: Stem cell banking is only for rare cases.
Fact: Medical needs are the most unforeseen and unpredictable. Those who bank cord blood do so as a means of precaution. Given the rapid advances in genetics, the immune system, and regenerative medicine, the preservation of stem cells may open new avenues for future treatments.
Clearing the Air: The Truth About Cord Blood Banking
One of the most overriding factors hindering the progress of scientific research is the widespread common misconceptions about cord blood. Nevertheless, evidence shows quite the opposite. There are several reasons why private banking is a better option. No wonder the heightened control for users, along with the consequent reliability and benefits, make it an automatic choice for prospective parents. Private cord blood banking helps ensure that you maintain a source of stem cells with unlimited potential for life. This is especially true in regenerative medicine, where these stem cells are used to support therapies and other treatments.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the myths and facts about cord blood banking helps parents make informed decisions. Private stem cell banking is a far better option than a mere public donation when considered together. It is the best way to protect one’s biological future as a family. It provides freedom, compatibility, and long-term safety. And it also ensures that these potent stem cells will be available for tomorrow’s medical breakthroughs.