Human umbilical cord blood, or
"cord blood," as it is commonly referred
to, contains an unusually rich supply of stem cells.
Stem cells are the "mother of the blood cells".
These stem cells produce the red, white and immune
cells that make up your blood.
Stem cells found in cord blood have been used to
save the lives of individuals with various types
of leukemias and anemias, including, most recently,
sickle-cell anemia.
Bone marrow is another source of stem cells and
is used to help cure individuals with blood disorders.
However, bone marrow has its disadvantages which
include:
Bone
marrow is extremely difficult to match.
Often
bone marrow carries with it infections the
donor has previously contracted. Graft vs.
host disease (GVHD) is the leading cause of
mortality in bone marrow transplantation.
Bone
marrow is frequently rejected by the individual's
own immune system.
For
these reasons, many have
turned to the use of cord
blood.
Last updated 1/31/10
Until
recently, you could only save your newborn's
cord blood by paying between $1,500
to $2,000 and an annual storage cost
of between $100 to $200.
