The growing recognition of cord blood collection all over the world is a quite positive sign. What was regarded as a waste earlier is now deemed most valuable after the delivery of the baby. Yes, I am referring to the umbilical cord blood and the placenta. It is the source of useful stem cells that are needed to cure dozens of illnesses.

Some Fundamentals

The collection procedure in itself is a very quick 15 minutes job. Nevertheless, the cord blood registry procedure can take a lot of time. It is suggested that the parents-to-be register at the nearest bank at least three to four months ahead of the delivery date. This method is not just filling an application form it includes an extensive series of medical tests to make sure that the mother-to-be’s blood is totally free from infectious diseases and genetic abnormalities. As soon as the donor clears the medical tests, the registration process is completed. The mother is given the collection kit which she needs to carry with her to the delivery center. She requirements to inform the doctor about her plans nicely in advance in order to prevent any confusion in the labor room. After the delivery, the umbilical cord blood is extracted and stored in specialized packets provided and the bank is informed. The bank sends its representative to collect the blood and couriers it to the preservation center.

A point to be noted here is that there is a minimum quantity of blood stipulated for successful preservation. If the quantity is less, then the decision lies with the mother regardless of whether she desires to continue with the collection or donate it for research. If the scenario so needs, the stem cells collected can be processed for immediate use by yet another patient.

Cord blood collection is an crucial decision as it could either be a lifesaver for your child and its siblings or it could turn out to be just an expense for the next twenty years. Either way, men and women who go in for preservation, prefer to look at it as a loved ones insurance. Fifteen years down the line, if you really feel that your kids have grown up with out any issues and are not likely to need the cord blood unit, you can decide on to sell it off via the cord blood bank to a needy individual.