Introduction
Since the previous decade, cord blood or stem cell banking has become quite popular in the UAE and top locations such as Dubai. And, for some good reasons as well. So, if you want to know more about them, don’t forget to read our article till the end. There is some interesting information available here, and we’re pretty sure that you wouldn’t want to miss out on them.
Benefits Of Stem Cell Banking
When you’re having a child, there’s more than one thing that you need to think about during such a period. And, one of them is collecting blood from the umbilical cord.
Why, though? I mean, it’s usually thrown away after the birth of the child. So, what’s the point in saving it and collecting stem cells from the same?
Here’s why.
- The stem cells available in the cord blood can help you treat almost any form of blood cancer, including – Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Neuroblastoma, etc.
- It can also take care of any type of blood disorder, including the common ones like – Sickle-cell anemia, Cooley’s Anemia, and Thalassemia Intermedia.
- Furthermore, you can use it for treating Juvenile dermatomyositis, Fanconi anemia, and Diamond-Blockfan anemia as well.
Finally, the stem cell from the umbilical cord blood can be used for treating Hurler syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, and Krabbe disease too. Some researchers have offered insights on how beneficial it can be for immune disorders, but we still need more information to prove it.
The Best Storage Options
Depending on your cause, you can either donate the stem cells or decide to keep it within a storage option. Keep reading to know more about it.
Option – 1: Storing In A Private Bank
If you’re storing cord blood in a private cord blood bank, it’ll only be saved for your family. As long as you’re not giving permission to use it, no one else will be able to take it.
However, there’s a catch. As it’s much more secure than anything else, you’ll need to pay a hefty amount of initial fee for it. And, then keep offering monthly payments as long as you’re not using it. So, it’s a little pricier option than the other two mentioned below.
Option – 2: Storing In a Public Cord Blood Bank
If you don’t want to use the blood for yourself, you can also donate it to a public bank. The donation procedure doesn’t cost anything at all.
But, the problem is that not every hospital accepts cord blood donation, in today’s world. So, before you donate it to someone, don’t forget to ask them about their rules and policies.
Option – 3: Public-Private Bank
Sometimes, if you want, you can also keep the stored blood in a public cord blood bank for someone specific, like your family member.
It’ll take less money than a private bank, but you’ll still have to pay for the storage and a little more as monthly payments.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
We feel like we’ve offered enough information in the previous section of the titular article. So, in this section, we’ll try to answer a few questions of yours. Let’s get started, then.
1. Is It Worth It To Bank Stem Cells?
Yes, definitely. Even if your baby ever gets contracted with a deadly disease, like cancer or something as such, it can help them live a better life.
2. Which Type Of Stem Cell Bank Is The Best?
It depends on your need and necessity really. If you want to keep the blood only and only for your child, then opting for a private bank would be ideal for you. But, if you want to donate it to someone, give it to a public bank!
The Final Say
Honestly, no one knows how the process of stem cells is going to be used in the near future. But, the way it’s going, we can expect it cure many incurable diseases accordingly, like –
- Diabetes,
- Alzheimer’s,
- Spinal cord damage,
- Heart failure, etc.
However, for now, we’re only dealing with the theories and nothing else. So, let’s not think too much about “what should be” and “what could be” and hope for the best.
Have a good day!
