stem cells
Stem cell research in medicine dates back to the late 1800s, with the first recognized scientific publication in 1961. Recent advancements underscore the importance of stem cells in treating serious illnesses. These cells hold immense potential for regenerative medicine, offering hope for transformative medical treatments.
Understanding Stem Cells: Nature's Repair System
From certain types of cancers to blood disorders and immune system ailments, cord blood stem cells have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential, with over 30,000 successful transplants worldwide. Collecting cord blood stem cells is a straightforward and painless procedure, posing no risk to either the mother or the baby. Following the birth of the baby and the clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord, the remaining blood within the cord is carefully collected using a sterile collection kit.
Understanding the Umbilical Cord: Lifeline Between Mother and Baby
The umbilical cord, typically 20 inches long, is a vital link between the infant and its mother during pregnancy. It emerges from a hole in the baby's abdomen and attaches to the placenta within the uterus. This cord serves a crucial role in the baby's development, primarily by transporting oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the baby's circulation. Comprising two arteries and one vein, the umbilical cord acts as a conduit for blood flow. The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the newborn, while the umbilical arteries return deoxygenated blood and waste materials from the baby to the placenta. Upon the baby's delivery, the umbilical cord is clamped, and both the cord and cord blood are collected for further processing in a laboratory setting. Stem cells extracted from the umbilical cord can then be preserved in a cord blood bank, holding significant potential for future medical treatments.