subject: The Merits Of Stem Cell Banking [print this page] Stem cell banking involves the storage of stem cells in computerized cryotanks (at temperatures below -150C). The stem cells are harvested from a pregnant mother from umbilical cord blood. The blood is tested and it loses identifying information after testing. This is done by public and private stem cell banks. There are several reasons why you should consider it.
The banking allows you to tap into the regenerative power of stem cells. Stem cells are used to treat a variety of injuries and ailments, especially those that have to do with the immune system and blood. You should consider stem cell storage in a public bank because you might save somebodys life. The stem cells donated to public banks are available for anyone who is in need. There are strict regulations as to what can be added to a registry, meaning you need not worry about using the stem cells you get from these banks.
If you want your family to have access to the stem cells, you could bank the stem cells with a private bank since they allow for the stored cord blood to have a link identifying the donor. The parents retain custody of the cord blood until the child reaches adulthood. The stem cells can be used by the donor baby or any other relative. Many families choose this option. You need not worry about the charges involving stem cell banking because this is free of charge in public banks, although you might be required to pay a fee if you approach the private banks.
Cord blood contains progenitor cells from red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and hematopoietic stem cells which are used in cellular therapy. You should consider storing your stem calls because, just like blood donation, it is only fair that you donate if you will be a beneficiary in the future. You never know when you might need stem cell treatment. Some of the diseases that can be treated using stem cell treatment include neurological diseases, vascular diseases, liver diseases, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohns Disease, Lung Cancer, Parkinson's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, brain injury, Type 1 Diabetes, hearing loss, stroke, and sports injuries to the cartilage.
Initially there were limited options, however now you can easily reach good stem cell banks in India g which follow all the required measures to ensure quality. They do various tests to determine if the stem cells are usable or not. You need not worry about the safety of the stem cells you donate or the stem cells you need for stem cell treatment as high safety and quality standards are maintained at these storage banks. Numerous test carried out on these cells to determine their usability include Hepatitis B and C testing, HIV testing, tissue typing, bacterial and fungal growth, nucleated cell count, blood group antigen (ABO and Rh), cell viability, and molecule cluster (CD34).
There is still a lot of research going on when it comes to stem cell treatment and you will be helping with this when you donate. The collection process is not dangerous to the mother. It happens within 10 minutes of delivery. It is extracted to from the cords fetal end (with a deviation of 75 +/- 23 mL from the neonate). By donating, you will have access to a partner hospital for stem cell therapy. Getting a good hospital is not always easy, but good stem cell banks in India will help you with this.
