The collection and storage of cord blood and cord tissue taken from the umbilical cord of a baby at birth is becoming increasingly common. The reason for this is that the cells contained in the blood and tissue, have potential therapeutic value in the treatment of blood disorders, immune diseases and the emerging field of regenerative medicine.

Should you consider stem cell storage for your baby, Netcells have put together this parent’s guide to stem cell storage…

The difference that stored cord blood stem cells can make

Cord blood is collected from the baby’s umbilical cord at birth and contains haematopoietic (blood) stem cells.These stem cells are used to regenerate bone marrow and are routinely used to treat blood related diseases such as;

• Leukaemia
• Lymphoma
• Thalassemia
• Fanconi’s anaemia
• Sickle cell anaemia

New therapies are also being researched for cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss and type one diabetes.

Cord tissue stem cells and conditions

The umbilical cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells that are being employed in both research and clinical environments for a variety of aesthetic and medical conditions, that include;

• skin regeneration
• neurology (neurodegenerative diseases)
• orthopaedics (cartilage and bone repair)
• sports injury (tendon and ligament repair)
• cardiology (heart muscle regeneration) and many other areas

Why should I store my baby’s stem cells?

Apart from it being a valuable medical investment, there are other compelling reasons to consider storing your baby’s stem cells, such as:

• Having a family history of certain diseases
• Having a sibling who suffers from a disease treatable with stem cell therapy
• People of African descent and mixed marriages, who are less likely to find a matching bone marrow sample in existing tissue banks

What will it cost?

At Netcells, the storage of umbilical cord blood and tissue (for ten years) as well as maternal blood testing will cost you approximately R19 900. Although hefty, the insurance it can give your baby means it’s probably worth it. Fortunately, payment plans are also available.

What to look for when choosing your storage bank

• All-inclusive price with no additional charges that you have not budgeted for (for example annual storage fees and maternal blood tests).
• A laboratory that holds accreditation for the processing of cord blood and tissue stem cells. This is important because it gives you the assurance that the cells will be processed and stored according to international quality standards and that the laboratory will be inspected regularly by the accrediting body to ensure the safe storage of your baby’s stem cells.Also, if the stem cells are ever needed, that they will be accepted by transplant centres across the world.

For more information on Netcells, visit www.netcells.co.za.

The post Insure your baby against life threatening diseases appeared first on All4Baby.