Umbilical cord blood
Umbilical cord blood:
The umbilical cord blood and the placenta are very rich in stem cells, which are also found in the bone marrow, good to form all the elements in the blood. In some diseases like leukaemia and some severe forms of anaemia, the bone marrow is not capable to produce blood cells anymore. Transplanting stem cells from the placenta helps to reactivate the function of the bone marrow. Here comes the idea of donating the umbilical cord blood to be used in people in need.
Using umbilical cord blood instead of a bone marrow transplant has some benefits, like the blood is available immediately. There are less risks of infections. Also, the risk of complications is minor.
But, the bone marrow transplant is preferent, because not always the stem cells from the umbilical cord are enough for a full recovery.
The donation of the umbilical cord blood is very simple: After the childbirth, the umbilical cord is cut, the baby is taking away to be examine by the doctors. Meanwhile, an expert consultant extract the umbilical cord blood found in the cord and the placenta. This blood is kept in an sterilized bag (60 millilitres minimum), this blood is analized and frozen until is required by the transplants center.
The mother has a blood test before childbirth and 6 months after to make sure she is not carrying any infectious disease, and also she is not carrying inherited diseases or anaemia.
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