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Cord Blood Banking
The term 'Cord Blood Banking' refers to the collection, processing and
preservation of blood obtained from the Umbilical Cord and placenta of a baby
after birth. The procedure for Cord Blood Banking is completely painless
for mother and infant and poses no physical risks. Umbilical Cord
Blood is valuable medically because it contains 'stem cells'.
Stem cells are cells that are not yet highly specialized. Stem cells
can be transformed into more differentiated cells such as red blood cells which
transport oxygen through the body, white blood cells, which combat infection, or
platelets which are instrumental in blood clotting. Stem cells obtained
from Umbilical Cord Blood can be used to treat literally dozens of life-threatening
diseases including certain types of cancer, blood diseases, genetic diseases,
metabolic diseases, and immunodeficiencies.
Deciding whether Cord Blood Banking is right for you can be a simple or
more complex decision depending on your circumstances.
Private Cord Blood Banks market their services to parents as an 'insurance policy'
against potential future illness. The initial cost for collection and processing
of Cord Blood ranges from approximately $900 to $1800. There are many private cord blood
banks to choose from. Some are licensed while others are unlicensed. The Umbilical Cord
Blood Banking companies on this page are some of the leaders in the industry and if you
are considering Cord Blood Banking they may be a good place to start.
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