The stem cell cord blood banking has been the ray of hope for treating incurable medical problems. But it has its own share of its pros and cons. Certain factors such as morals, race, medical history of genetic problems etc. that can influence the decision to opt for blood storage.

Factors Affecting Cord Blood Donation

Receiver’ compatibility – because of the immaturity of the stem cells found in cord blood, the receiver has a lower risk of graft as against. host illness, which can be a severe immunity problem. Convenience – it is simpler to recover blood form teh cord as compared to bone marrow. It is due to its cryogenic storage and is easily obtainable for transplant. It is difficult to find bone marrow donor and the procedure to obtain it is difficult. Cultural or racial groups – Race and morals hamper the bone marrow donation. CB banking, where the blood form the cord is saved at the time of childbirth, helps in this point. Free services – if you cannot afford the charges CB registry, certain private banking companies offer free services.

PROS

The major benefit of preserving blood from the cord is its easy availability during the moment of saving a persons life. The stem cells are already present in the cord blood bank, so, are easily available in case of the transplant. No pain or harm caused to the mother or baby at the time of cord blood collection. It is a very easy procedure performed right after delivery.

Cord-blood cells can assist in curing of over 50 diseases like leukemia, critical sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia, etc. Stem cell cord blood is more likely to become the accurate fit for family members and relatives without the risk of rejection by the receivers body.

CONS

No accurate approximation to assert that a normal child without any risk factor will use her own preserved blood.

The commercial cord-blood bank charges around $ 1,500 for CB registry, along with the annual $ 100 maintenance fee. Also, you might have to pay a few hundred dollars to get the cord blood collection kit, towards the courier fees, and for first steps of cord blood banking.

Many stem cell transplants are carried out only on kids or tens. They are insufficient for an adult transplant. A big-sized person requires bigger quantity of blood producing stem cells for a successful transplant.

There is no clear proof to validate that stem cells of a relative are more successful than those taken from a stranger. Both the donors have same success rate since the cord blood stem cells are unripe, so, the perfect match is immaterial.

Doctors donate have much expertise in cordblood stem cell transplantation.

Few medical experts opine that a sick child obtaining her own cord blood stem cells can become susceptible to be afflicted with the same disease again. But this fact is not medically supported. Blood cord storage can be a new fashion very soon. But the decision lies in your hands. Also, you must choose well beforehand of the due date as the loss of the precious blood, makes it difficult to recover it.