Preservation of cord blood stem cells is a growing trend for new parents. These precious cells are immensely useful in regenerative medicine and transplantation. However, with cord blood stem cells exploding in popularity, it can be confusing to know all the information accurately. One of the most common questions most people have is whether their baby’s cord blood stem cells can be used to treat any diseases their family members may be suffering from. This article will answer that question. So, continue reading to learn more!
What is Cord Blood, and Why is it Valuable?
The umbilical cord and placenta, typically discarded after birth, contain something amazing: stem cells. The umbilical cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which can give rise to new blood cells, and a minor concentration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), useful for the regeneration of different cell lines, like the heart, brain, lungs, and more. Stem cells offer many benefits for treating or curing various serious diseases, such as blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and some types of cancers.
While the chance of your child needing their cord blood is relatively low, research is constantly revealing new applications of this precious resource. Donating or storing cord blood is a chance to contribute to a child’s future health or potentially save another life.
Who Can Use a Baby’s Cord Blood?
While your baby has a 100% match with their cord blood, the answer for family members is a bit more complex. It all depends on something called HLA ( Human Leukocyte Antigen) compatibility. HLA markers are proteins on the surface of cells that help the immune system recognize “self” from “foreign.” The more HLA markers a recipient shares with the cord blood donor, the better the chance of a successful transplant with minimal complications.
Here’s a breakdown of who can potentially use a baby’s cord blood:
- Baby (autologous transplant):
A baby’s own cord blood is a perfect match, minimizing the risk of rejection.
- Siblings:
Siblings from the same parents have a 75% chance of being a partial or perfect match, making them good recipients of their sibling’s cord blood stem cells.
- Parents:
Parents share 50% of their HLA markers with their child. While not a perfect match, half-identical transplants using cord blood are possible in some cases.
- Half-Sibilings:
Compatibility with half-sibilings is less likely, typically a 25% chance of being a partial match.
- Extended Family:
Compatibility decreases significantly with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents due to genetic recombination.
However, these are just general guidelines, and HLA typing is a crucial step in determining compatibility for any transplant. Cord blood stem cells typically have a lower risk of Graft-Vs-Host Disease, making them a viable option for the treatment of certain diseases within their families.
Cord Blood Banking with Cryoviva
Cord blood is a valuable resource that can be collected and stored, a practice encouraged by many private cord blood banking companies. It is especially necessary in India, where several people suffer from various forms of anemia and other disorders that can be treated using stem cells. While cord blood stem cell preservation is costly, it is a valuable investment to protect your family's future.
Cryoviva, India's leading biotech company, offers advanced stem cell services. It processes the cells using Sepax technology for complete automation and Cell Pure—the only facility in India using this technique—for better cell viability than usual. So, take the first step today for the future of your baby and your family by preserving their stem cells. Consult with our experts today for a safer future!