The research in the field of medical science in the last century has led to discovery and invention of new methods of treatments based on new front-end technologies and deeper research inputs. The twin technologies of genetic engineering and stem cells hold the promise of changing the way people are treated for different types of illnesses. It is believed that these would be especially helpful in finding the causes of chronic diseases and effectively treating them. This article examines the benefits of cord blood banking or stem cells in development of regenerative medicine.

The cord blood banking begins with the collection of cord blood from the fetal end of the cord after cutting the umbilical cord within ten minutes of giving the birth to the baby. It is also a practice to collect the same from the placental end as well. The total collections shall be a minimum 75ml so that these can be used for transplantation. The placental cord blood is sent to laboratories for additional processing. The blood is to be checked for viral infections and tests are conducted to ascertain the matching tissue type.

The cord blood stem cells play a pivotal role in the treatment of blood and immune system related diseases including genetic disorders, cancers and blood disorders. Though there are other sources of stem cells but the ones derived from cord blood have certain unique characteristics which are not found in other sources. Further, if the stems cells of one’s own body are used there are no chances of these getting rejected by the body. These cells have the ability to repair the tissues in the body. Since these are the basic cells from which different types of tissues are formed, these are of great use in treatments requiring creation of fresh tissues to replace the damaged ones.

The cord blood storing is done in cryo-preservation by the public and private banks. Since cutting of the umbilical cord is not harmful for the baby, there are no ethical issues involved in using this as was the case with the embryonic stem cells. The public cord blood banking is supported by the medical community but there are controversies about these being stored by the private banks. Already, the research is underway in treating a number of diseases using this technique but it is still in the earlier stages. There is a definite hope of these being used to rid the human race of life threatening diseases.

The forty week long period of pregnancy is unique in more ways than one. The whole experience is essentially bittersweet. But overall it is unique in its essentially positive stance. The curiosity about the unknown, the excitement and associated joy around you, and the sense of bonding with the unborn child, all add up to make it a never before experience. However, advanced medical technology has added another dimension to its uniqueness.

With proper planning, only at the time of childbirth labor, you can give a unique gift to your young one. This is not only a never before but also a never after opportunity. This is the only one of its kind opportunity to bank your baby’s cord blood for future use.

Cord blood banking is a relatively new field. At the time of delivery blood is extracted from the cord that connects the placenta to the tiny baby for supplying essential nutrients.

This blood is sent to the cord blood bank, where stem cells are harvested. These stem cells are crucially helpful if God forbid, the child falls seriously ill, say with cancer. Stem cells eliminate the need for bone marrow transplant. Some other serious illnesses are easily treated with the help of stem cells.

The technology is still in its very early stages, hence is not available everywhere. Secondly, it does cost a substantial amount. Lastly, as of now, it is too early to pronounce a judgment on its efficacy.

The possibilities that such a field of research opens up are exciting. In future, treating serious illnesses like leukemia would become possible. Public awareness helps in continuing the research and making a success of it.