Stem cells from umbilical cord blood are in great demand nowadays in medical research and also in the treatment of numerous diseases, so they are considered by many to be miracle cures and all-rounders. This is mainly due to the fact that this type of stem cell can differentiate into completely different cell types – hence they are called pluripotent.
Different types of stem cells
Multipotent adult stem cells from umbilical cord blood are still very young and agile, unlike the stem cells that exist in the human body for life – they divide much more frequently, which is why they are so sought after in medicine for the treatment of various diseases.
Due to their still very young age, the stem cells are still undamaged and uncontaminated, which is a great advantage for further use. Even if the umbilical cord blood is usually not used for the treatment of diseases of the child itself, it is still worth freezing it. This is because the blood and its stem cells can likewise be used to help relatives, acquaintances or strangers – with private storage, the owner thus has full control over the cord blood and the stem cells it contains.
Providing for the future: storing stem cells yourself or donating them?
Storage of stem cells from umbilical cord blood is possible at private stem cell banks such as Seracell Pharma AG.
The blood, collected after birth by trained personnel, is preserved at around -180 degrees Celsius and is then generally usable for life, as any processes come to a halt at such low temperatures. Whether the umbilical cord blood is ultimately used for personal use or donated is up to the expectant parents themselves.
It is also possible to donate the blood collected after birth directly, without having to store it privately for a fee. These donations are used for medical research as well as being made available to strangers for the treatment of illnesses – here the decision is usually made according to need.
The collection of blood from the umbilical cord is completely painless for both the mother and the newborn baby – another advantage over donating stem cells as an adult. Once the baby is delivered, the blood contained in the umbilical cord is collected and immediately prepared for transport in a special container, but the mother and baby are unaware of this.
