Transporting Cord Blood

November 11, 2011 By admin

Transporting Cord Blood

In attempting to understand the subject of cord blood banking, it may be beneficial to think in familiar terms. Start with some common idea – banking. In the most basic sense, a bank is that location where value is held with the likelihood that at future access can allow use of the resource. Sounds simple, right?

Let’s continue our manner of keeping things simple when considering cord blood banking, because cord blood banking functions in much the same way. What’s different, perhaps, is the notion of storing the blood taken from an umbilical cord shortly after the birth of a newborn for the purpose of treating illnesses in the future.

Ask your obstratritian about cord blood banking donations and he or she will surely be able to provide some information and resources. The overall view is that cord blood banking is a very simple and effective way to help with the treatment of a number of diseases, some of them potentially devastating.

Cord blood banking saves valuable stem cells

The blood found in the umbilical cord is uniquely populated with stem cells which have been known to regenerate to help purify the blood system and rejuvenate the immune system. The stem cells saved through cord blood banking are sometimes used in the treatment of patients recovering from chemotherapy which tends to kill off virtually all the cells in the body.

Cord blood banking started in 1990 when doctors began gathering the blood from umbilical cords and cryogenically freezing the samples. A standard sample size is about 75 ml, or 1/3 of a cup, and contains millions of stem cells. The cryogenic process of cord blood banking essentially captures the vitality of the cells as it freezes them until a time in the future when this dynamic resource is needed again.

Stem cells also exist in bone marrow; but whereas the donor and recipient must be an exact marrow match, with cord blood banking the two patients must be only a half-match. This option dramatically increases successful stem cell transplants and has the benefit of lowering risk for the recipient. That’s why cord blood banking is seen as such an important investment in human health.

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Eligibility Guidelines For Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

August 10, 2011 By admin

Eligibility Guidelines for Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

There is absolutely no pain or risk associated with collecting cord blood stem cells. This
procedure takes place immediately after the birth of the baby, and takes only a few minutes. When collecting cord blood stem cells, the medical team will simply clamp the umbilical cord after the removal of the baby, and begin the flow of umbilical cord blood into the collection system.

Collecting cord blood stem cells is an uncomplicated procedure as it takes place after
delivery. This is unlike the harvesting of stem cells from bone marrow which requires a
surgical procedure under anesthesia, is painful and invasive, and costly.

There are some eligibility guidelines that have to be met for collecting cord blood stem
cells. The donor must be 18 years or older, in good health and free from several infectious diseases as regulated by the FDA and CDC. For example, it is not recommended that a private bank accept a specimen from a mother who has a history of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, West Nile Virus or Chagas’ Disease. Public banks have additional requirements which include rejection of donations from those who have had tattoos in the past twelve months.

As long as the woman is in good health, and is living in a community where collecting
cord blood stem cells is available, it is possible to donate the baby’s cord blood. Mothers have to choose the participating cord blood bank and consult her doctor for guidance

After collecting cord blood stem cells, the cord blood is sent to the cord blood bank to be
stored for potential future use. It may even be possible to use a privately stored cord blood specimen for another family member. Statistics and research show that there is a 1 in 2 chance that the baby’s cord blood stem cells would be a match for the biological mother and father and a 1 in 4 chance of being a match for biological siblings.

Methods Of Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

July 28, 2011 By admin

Methods of Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

Collecting cord blood stem cells is not at all harmful to the mother or the infant donor. Umbilical cord blood is collected immediately after delivery. However, it is important to note, if there are any complications in delivery, there is a chance that your medical caregiver will be unable to collect a specimen of cord blood stem cells.

When collecting cord blood stem cells, the umbilical cord is clamped after birth. This breaks the link between the baby and placenta. After this, the trained medical staff drains the cord blood from the placenta and umbilical cord. There are different ways for collecting cord blood stem cells, but all have the same purpose.

A needle is usually used for collecting cord blood stem cells into a blood bag, and this procedure takes approximately five minutes. Many companies have different methods of collecting cord blood. Most companies today use the gravity bag collection system. Some companies still use the syringe method and many public banks continue to use this method. The collection style can also be determined based upon the type of delivery, vaginal delivery or cesarean section. Whichever the method, the mother’s cord blood is collected first using a venipuncture.

Colleting cord blood stem cells takes place after birth in both methods using a specific, pre-ordered kit from their chosen cord blood bank. It is only after the baby is safely delivered that cord blood is collected. The amount of blood collected during the procedure is essential as there is a direct correlation between the volume collected and the number of critical stem cells that can be recovered.

After the harvesting of cord blood stem cells, the blood is then shipped overnight taken to the cord blood bank. Research has shown that optimal cell levels can be recovered within 24-28 hours after the delivery of the baby. It is here that the cord blood specimen should be processed, tested and cryogenically stored in quarantine until infectious disease test results received. A cord blood company should be using a barcode system to avoid identification errors. After this, when required, blood forming stem cells are thawed and used either in autologous or allogeneic procedures.

In autologous procedures, a person receives his or her own cord blood in a transplant, while in allogeneic procedures, a person receives cord blood that is donated from someone else like a sibling, close relative or someone anonymous. So, you can see that there are many benefits to collecting cord blood stem cells; this blood can save not only the donor, but also others from many life threatening diseases.

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Introduction To Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

June 8, 2011 By admin

An Introduction to Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

The practice of collecting cord blood stem cells as part of the birthing process is a procedure that has been in existence since the year 1988. During that year the first cord blood transplant was done, and since then, more than 8,000 transplants have taken place. Today, thousands of parents are using this once in a lifetime opportunity of collecting cord blood stem cells to be available later for possibly treating health problems.

Not until 1995, however was collecting cord blood stem cells made widely available. The cord blood is collected immediately after birth of the baby once the umbilical cord has been cut. The medical caregiver normally collects the specimen. This blood used to be discarded as medical waste. The procedure of collecting cord blood stem cells does not in any way alter normal birth-related procedures. The efficiency of collecting a cord blood stem cell sample is dependant on the amount of cord blood that is collected. The larger the stem cell sample amount that is collected, the better its survival rate of cells in transplant. It is possible to choose the collection method for cord blood by either the syringe or gravity blood bag.

So far, more than 25,000 doctors have been collecting cord blood stem cells in more than 3,000 hospitals and birth centers in the US and more than 72 foreign countries. The practice is rapidly increasing and a growing number of doctors and hospitals are using the procedure of collecting cord blood stem cells with advanced training and technological resources.

It is important to note, however, that there is no risk to the child or the mother when collecting cord blood stem cells, as this is done after the baby is born and after the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. This procedure is painless, safe and easy for both mother and baby, and there is no change whatever in the normal delivery process of the baby. The average amount of time required for collecting cord blood stem cells is about 5 minutes.

Once you have decided to collect and store your baby’s cord blood, a cord blood company must be chosen. The cord blood company will be responsible for providing the cord blood collection kit, assisting you in arranging for delivery of the specimen to their laboratory, processing and testing the cord blood specimen and ultimately cryogenically storing the specimen for your family.

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The Life Saving Practice of Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

June 27, 2010 By admin

The Life Saving Practice of Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

Collecting cord blood stem cells has become a common practice in modern medicine and can be addressed by the OBGYN as the expectant mom during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you’re an expectant mom, undoubtedly health and wellness for you and baby are at the very top of your priority list, as it should be. When thinking about talking to your doctor or midwife about collecting cord blood stem cells, it’s understandable that you have many details on your mind. However, the life saving process of collecting cord blood stem cells is one of the most important contributions you and your baby can make to your family.

The Ease of Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

First off – what does collecting cord blood stem cells entail? At the time of birth there is a golden opportunity to capture and harvest one of the human body’s truly restorative assets – stem cells from the umbilical cord blood. This blood has a particularly high density of a special type of blood cell, known as a hematopoietic cell, and in fact millions of cells are gathered in just 75 milliliters (about 1/3 of a cup), which is the average draw from the umbilical cord. This blood is transported to a lab and is frozen to the temperature of -190 degrees. These rich blood cells are frozen immediately in a cryogenic state.

If you are getting a little uncomfortable at the thought of an additional procedure, relax. Collecting cord blood stem cells is a painless process, and one that doesn’t interrupt or interfere with the baby’s delivery in any way. So take a moment to consider additional details about why collecting cord blood stem cells is such a life enhancing procedure.

What are stem cells?

In short, stem cells are the key components within the body for generating all other tissues, organs and systems in the body. Isn’t that remarkable? Stem cells in cord blood are the building blocks of the blood coursing through our veins and immune system. These cells are highly adaptable and can readily replicate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. That’s why collecting cord blood stem cells is so vital.

Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen to all the cells in the body; white blood cells are responsible for fighting infection; and platelets aid in clotting when you’re injured. With these prime components set aside for use at a later time, doctors (using stem cells) are able to help the body recover from diseases like leukemia, breast cancer, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease, Aplastic Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, various cancers, blood diseases, hereditary/genetic conditions and immune system disorders.

Important key points to remember concerning collecting cord blood stem cells, are first, the process of collecting cord blood stem cells is simple, second, the stem cells are key ingredients for generating all other tissues, organs and systems in the body; and third, their use is valuable in treating a litany of diseases.

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Collecting Cord Blood after Delivery

December 17, 2009 By admin

Collecting Cord Blood after Delivery

Whether you have decided to store your baby’s cord blood at a private storage bank or whether you have decided to donate your newborn’s cord blood, there are some steps you need to take before your bundle of joy is due. Researching private blood storage banks and finding out if your hospital participates in any donor programs should be added to an expectant parent’s to do list before the 30th week. collecting_cord_blood_after_delivery

Whether you are storing or donating, you must make sure to receive the cord blood collection kit from the chosen cord blood bank. If you are storing your newborn’s blood privately, you will be charged for this service. If you are donating your baby’s blood, some hospitals might already keep a cord blood collection kit on hand, so may not have to bring one with you to your delivery.

With a normal vaginal delivery, the cord blood is collected before the placenta is delivered. The umbilical cord is clamped on both sides and then an experienced obstetrician or a nurse will unclamp one side of the umbilical cord and insert either a small tube or a small needle into the umbilical vein to collect the blood. Other times, the blood is dripped into either a vial or a special collection bag. After this is collected, a needle could also be placed into the placenta to collect more blood and cells. These cells will be in their own containers and properly identified.

During a cesarean or C-section birth, the collection process is a little more complicated but still causes no pain to the mother or to the baby. During C-sections, a doctor’s main focus is the mother and baby. After all, this is a major surgery and there are a number of complications that can arise. It is only after the baby has been safely delivered, along with the placenta and the mother’s uterus has been sutured that the cord blood can be collected. Usually though less blood is collected when the baby is delivered via C-section. That can sometimes be a problem, because less blood collected also means fewer stem cells collected and stored. Some doctors feel that there is too big of a risk of contamination by collecting cord blood after a C-section, but for the most part most public and private cord storage banks have taken the proper steps to reduce the risk of contamination by providing sterile kit components.

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Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells: What You MUST Know

October 7, 2009 By admin

Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells: What You MUST Know

Stem cells are precursor cells that can differentiate into mature and specialized adult cells of different types. Stem cells are very helpful in the treatment of various diseases of blood and immune system origin, including many cancers. Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells Need To Know

Adult stem cells can be obtained from bone marrow and from the cord blood (blood in the umbilical cord at the time of delivery of the child) and the placenta (sac that holds the baby during pregnancy). The obtained cord blood and the placenta is then processed and preserved in liquid nitrogen to be used if the need arises at any point of time. The stored stem cells remain viable once preserved, for over 20 years.

Collecting the cord blood stem cells for preservation has to be planned well in advance before the delivery of the child. A stem cell bank is identified that is close to the place where the delivery is supposed to happen (unless courier service is arranged). Once such a bank has been found and all the initial formalities are completed, the cord blood bank must be contacted close to the time of the delivery (around 48 hours before) when blood from the mother is drawn and sent to test for any communicable diseases that may be present.

Collecting the cord blood stem cells is performed by the doctors delivering of the child. It is important to collect a sufficient amount of cord blood (around 75 ml at least) for it to contain an adequate amount of stem cells for preservation. The procedure of collecting the cord blood stem cells is conducted when the umbilical vein is still pulsating.

A special collection bag designed for the purpose of collecting the cord blood stem cells is used for this purpose. This bag has a connected needle at one end that is inserted into the umbilical vein, and the bag is lowered down to allow the cord blood to flow into the bag. This is held in place until enough blood has been collected in the bag. If the blood flow stops before adequate collection is complete, the needle is removed and re-inserted to resume the blood flow until the cord is totally devoid of any more blood after which the needle is removed.

Once the collection of the cord blood stem cells and the placenta is completed, the specialized containers are then transported in exact temperature conditions suited for this purpose to the cell bank where they are disinfected, processed, preservative added and then slowly cooled to reach a temperature of -190 degrees Celsius at which it is stored.

Collecting the cord blood stem cells is a very simple procedure that takes just around 2-5 minutes, but it is very important for the professional handling the cord blood to take care that they don’t contaminate the specimen as it may affect the viability and storage of the stem cells.

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Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells: The Patient’s Experience

October 3, 2009 By admin

Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells: The Patient’s Experience

Many expectant mothers wish to donate their baby’s cord blood, but many are turned away due to strict qualifying regulations, underfunded facilities and lack of planning. Mothers who wish to donate their baby’s cord blood, should become familiar with the procedure used in collecting cord blood stem cells and begin making preparations today.
Public cord blood banks are severely underfunded and lack resources to store all of the cord blood that mothers try to donate each year. In fact, a mere 30% of mothers who wish to donate actually make it through the registration process and are able to make a donation. This is why most public cord blood banks urge mothers to make their interest to donate known before the 34th week of pregnancy. This allows plenty of time for the registration process and for plans to be put in place that will allow for a smooth donation process.
The first step needed if you wish to donate is to make sure that the hospital used for the birth is a participating hospital for collecting cord blood stem cells. If the hospital participates, you will need to talk with the obstetrician about setting up a donation. If your hospital is not familiar with collecting cord blood stem cells you can ask them if they are willing to work with a public cord blood bank. If so, the bank will walk them through all of the procedures that they need to know, but it will be up to you to find the bank and make the necessary connections.
Once you decide to donate, you will need to complete several registrations forms before the collection can occur. Keep in mind that there are many regulations when it comes to collecting cord blood stem cells and you may be turned down due to medical history or other factors.
After you have been approved for donation, a collection kit will be sent to you or the hospital where you will give birth. This collection kit must be used when collecting cord blood stem cells, and all instructions must be followed. If you are responsible for the kit, make sure that it is packed in your delivery bag or that a close family member is in charge of it. Remember: collection must occur within 15 minutes of the birth so it is vital that all mechanisms be in place before you go into the delivery room.
Collecting cord blood stem cells occurs after the umbilical cord is clamped so there is no pain experienced by the mother or the baby during the process. If you cannot find a public bank that is willing or able to accept your donation, you may opt to use a private bank. Most private banks charge $1,800 as a base fee and $100 – $125 per year for storage.

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Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells: Method

September 30, 2009 By admin

Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells: Method

Stem cells are called progenitor cells i.e. cells whose division and differentiation help in formation of the mature adult cells. A broad classification includes stem cells of embryonic and adult types. Embryonic stem cells, as the name suggests, are present in a growing embryo; whereas adult stem cells are found in the bone marrow. Adult stem cells can also be found in the placenta and the blood found in the umbilical cord at the time of child birth. Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

As stem cell use has been successful in treating conditions including many cancers that were considered untreatable by other methods, there are scientific attempts to retain the stem cells viable for use in therapy.

Stem cells can be derived from the bone marrow but it has limited use because these stem cells are usually affected by the disorder from which the person is suffering. The alternative of obtaining the placenta and collecting cord blood stem cells can be done only when the child is born so many parents are resorting to preservation of stem cells at blood banks to facilitate future use if necessary.

Once the cord blood bank is identified and all initial procedures and paperwork is complete, the cord blood bank ships the client a cord blood collection kit, which the client brings with them at the time of delivery. Drawing of the mother’s blood prior to the delivery and collection of the cord blood stem cells is done by the team performing the delivery of the child.

The entire process of collecting the cord blood stem cells and placenta is very simple and takes just 5 minutes. This process involves obtaining the cord blood through a vein in the umbilical cord called the umbilical vein.

Cord blood banks have specialized kits prepared for collecting the cord blood stem cells and the placenta. The bag for collecting the cord blood is connected through a needle inserted into the umbilical vein. As the bag is lowered, gravity allows the flow of blood into the bag. A minimum of around 75ml of cord blood is necessary for obtaining good quantity of active stem cells that can be used. If blood flow into the bag arrests before the entire umbilical cord is emptied or before a minimal quantity is obtained, the needle is removed and reinserted into the umbilical vein to obtain the desired quantity.

It is important to take precautions in avoiding contamination of the collected blood. After collecting the cord blood stem cells and the placenta, the medical staff uses specialized containers to transport the cord blood to the cord blood bank where it is again disinfected, processed and after addition of a cryopreservative, cooled slowly to reach a temperature of around -190 degrees, and be stored until such time as it is needed for any therapy, either for the child or for any other family members suffering from a disorder that can be treated with the collected stem cells.

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