Cord blood & other cell therapies
Understanding Cord Blood
Cord blood, a special and precious source of blood stem cells, is collected without causing harm to the mother or baby. This unique substance can be frozen and stored for future use in blood stem cell transplants. Cord blood is particularly beneficial for patients who struggle to find a suitable adult donor or require a swift transplant, notably infants, children, and, in specific situations, adults.
Potential Beyond Transplants: Cord blood stem cells are under exploration for their potential applications in regenerative medicine. Ongoing research is investigating their use in treating conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and type 1 diabetes. Although these studies are in early stages, the prospects are promising and hold the potential to significantly enhance the lives of many individuals.
Pregnant and Interested in Donating? If you are pregnant and intrigued by the possibility of contributing your baby’s cord blood, consult your healthcare provider for detailed information. Your decision to donate could play a crucial role in supporting medical advancements and helping those in need of life-saving treatments.
Exploring Cord Blood and WMDA's role
WMDA's pivotal role in cord blood banking
WMDA's Commitment to Safety
- Flags mark cord blood units stored in AABB or NetCord-FACT accredited cord blood banks, assuring transplant physicians of their management under accredited institutions.
- A committee of experts evaluates adverse events, ensuring swift communication within the community.
- Monthly meetings of cord blood experts facilitate the sharing of best practices.
- A crosswalk between WMDA and NetCord-FACT Standards guarantees compliance on donor care.
- Extended data fields ensure physicians access all relevant cord blood information at the outset of the search process.
Diverse Cord Blood Banking Models
- Public Cord Blood Banks: Offer a crucial resource for patients lacking matching donors.
- Private Cord Blood Banks: Store cord blood exclusively for family use, with associated collection and storage fees.
- Hybrid Cord Blood Banking: A newer option combining private storage with potential family use. Availability may vary by region.
- Disease-Specific Banking: Aids biological siblings needing treatment with a cord blood transplant.
Understanding Cord Blood Donation Risks