How long should umbilical cord blood be stored (about the storage and application of umbilical cord blood)
Cord blood is the blood trapped in the umbilical cord after birth, which contains rich hematopoietic stem cells. Because these stem cells can be used to treat many diseases, many parents want to preserve their children\’s cord blood. However, there are no fixed regulations for the storage time of umbilical cord blood. The following aspects discuss the doubts about umbilical cord blood storage.
Children’s own needs
Cord blood stem cells can be used to treat many diseases, including blood and immune system disorders. In addition, umbilical cord blood stem cells can also be used to treat diseases such as liver disease, Parkinson\’s disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and brain damage. Therefore, preserving your child\’s cord blood can provide families with important diagnostic and treatment options for future use if needed.
However, scientists have not yet fully determined the lifespan of stem cells. The current consensus is that children whose umbilical cord blood has been preserved for more than 5 years can use these stem cells. Before these lifespans expire, you can send them to a suitable treatment center. However, it should be noted that the lifespan of stem cells varies in different types of diseases. It is recommended to understand the scope and possibility of stem cells before storage.
Storage method
When preserving cord blood, you can choose to preserve it alive or cryopreserved. Live preservation means storing cord blood directly in facilities at the treatment center so they can be used immediately when needed. Cryopreservation can extend the quality and life of cord blood, but it may need to be thawed before use, and there is a risk of technical issues such as clots. Its shelf life may be longer, up to 20 years or more.
Since different storage methods can affect the life of stem cells, they must be chosen carefully. If you wish to use your cord blood immediately, live preservation is the best option. If you decide to store it for a long time for later use, freezing may be a better option.
Storage costs and fees
There are costs and expenses associated with storing cord blood. The first is the cost of storage facilities. Second is the cost of services. The techniques of collecting, isolating, driving, sealing, transporting and freezing cord blood are expensive. In addition, the cost of treatment should also be taken into consideration. Therefore, it is recommended that before personally considering the actual storage of cord blood, you need to budget for the associated costs.
Risks and Cautions
While preserving cord blood has many benefits, it still carries certain risks. For example, collecting umbilical cord blood can damage the placenta, which can have adverse effects on the mother and baby. Preserving cord blood also carries the risk of disease transmission and infection. Possible communicable diseases and infections include hepatitis B, HIV, and other infectious diseases.
Parents should consult with their doctor before choosing to bank their child\’s cord blood. They should carefully understand all the risks and considerations associated with banking cord blood to decide whether to pursue its benefits. When choosing to store cord blood, you should also promptly contact the cord blood storage unit and arrange collection. Furthermore, storage of cord blood must be done on a case-by-case basis, with attention to these risks and considerations.
In short, Umbilical cord blood stem cells provide numerous possible treatments for many diseases. However, there are still some uncertainties and risks associated with storing these cells. Before deciding to bank your child\’s cord blood, you should consider all factors and consult with your healthcare professional and administrator.
