Cord Blood Testing and Banking

What is Cord Blood Testing and Banking?

Cord blood testing and banking is a procedure in which the blood left in a newborn's umbilical cord after delivery is collected, tested, and stored in a specialized laboratory or bank. The process helps to identify any genetic conditions present in the newborn and provides potential stem cells for use in medical treatments. Cord blood banking can be an invaluable resource for both parents and prospective children.

Preparation for Cord Blood Testing and Banking

Before delivery, parents should consult with their doctor to learn about cord blood testing and banking options. Parents will need to provide their medical history and that of the baby’s family to discuss the risks and benefits of cord blood banking and determine if the procedure is right for them. Upon deciding to proceed with cord blood banking, parents will be asked to sign consent forms, and should discuss the logistics of the birth with their doctor.

Cord Blood Banking Procedure

The cord blood banking procedure begins shortly after delivery. The newborn’s umbilical cord is clamped and cut, allowing blood to be collected in a sterile collection bag. The bag is then transported to a laboratory for analysis and processing. After the cells are extracted, they are stored in a secure repository – either a public repository or a private cord blood bank – for periods of up to 25 years.

Types of Cord Blood Banking

There are two types of cord blood banking: public and private. Public cord blood banking is free and publicly funded. Sample tissues are stored in government-regulated public cord blood banks and can be used by people who are related to the donor, or for medical research. Private cord blood banking is a commercial service provided by private companies, where the entire sample is owned by the family. By storing the sample in a private cord blood bank, it can only be accessed by members of the family, protecting the baby’s privacy.

Risks and Benefits of Cord Blood Banking

The risks associated with cord blood banking include possible damage to the umbilical cord or placenta during the collection process, and contamination or mislabeling of samples during transport. There is also a risk of infection or injury during processing and storage of the cord blood sample. However, the potential benefits of cord blood banking far outweigh the risks.

Cord blood banking offers an invaluable resource for parents and their future children. It provides a source of stem cells as well as a means to detect genetic diseases in the baby. It can also be a potential lifesaver for the baby and other family members that are related to the donor, should they require a stem cell transplant in the future.

When and Why Should You Choose Cord Blood Banking?

Cord blood banking should be considered for any newborn. It is best to begin discussing the possibility of cord blood banking with your doctor prior to delivery to ensure that it is the right option for you. If you have a family history of certain genetic diseases or cancer, cord blood banking may be an invaluable resource to you and your family.