Cord Blood Stem Cell Research - An Overview
Stem cells found in the umbilical cord of humans were used to reverse the effects of stroke in rats. This experiment was conducted at the University of Minnesota and was successful. The stem cells, which were transfused, took the properties of brain cells and the lab rats were almost healed within 24 hours of damage. It was a surprising discovery that, the doctors would need just three hours to treat you successfully if you suffer from stroke.
Earlier, umbilical cord blood cells were believed to be only capable of turning into blood cells. But, the scientific community was surprised when umbilical cord blood cells could be turned into other kinds of cells as well.
You would be surprised to know that, Cord blood was previously considered as waste left after childbirth. Now, it is looked on as something that can save another life. But, the experts in the field of stem cell research are still not sure how to handle cord blood stem cells.
Today, failed blood cells can be replaced by Cord blood stem cells. Cord blood stem cell research has treated six thousand people around the world. But, cord blood therapy is still considered an experimental procedure. If you have just given birth, you can donate your placenta for cord blood stem cell research and therapy.
Remember, the transfusion may fail if the donor of blood cells and the patient receiving the cells are not genetically compatible. If you are a patient in need of cord blood stem cells, you will be able to find a suitable donor but it will take time to find a suitable bone marrow donor.
In the last four years, the chances of finding a perfect donor has doubled, reports the Center for Cord Blood in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It also states that, over 95% people visiting the center for cord blood find suitable matches. It’s also a good option to save your own cord blood than to donate it.
Saving the blood for your family:
You can also preserve your newborns’ cord blood in private cord-blood banking services. Cord blood can be cryogenically frozen and used later when needed. You can freeze blood in cord-blood banks for $1,700 and an added storage fee of $125. You and your family can use the cells as and when you or anyone in your family needs a transplant. If your child is in need of transplantation, your child’s own blood will be the exact match for him or her.
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