Stem Cell Banking: Myth Vs Facts
Hello soon-to-be parents! Are you ready to welcome your little bundle of joy? We’re sure you’re more than just ready. You’re excited & super thrilled. And you’ve turned every possible stone to make sure that your baby gets the best of everything from Day 1. But amidst this excited chaos, has the thought of banking their stem cells ever crossed your mind? find more about Stem Cell Banking.
As more and more research is emerging about the life-saving potential of these stem cells, expecting parents are actively exploring stem cell banking options. But often, they may find themselves surrounded by multiple myths about the topic. So it’s crucial that they learn the real truths from these myths.
In this blog, we’ll dive into 5 of these popular myths on stem cell banking which have made their way around. And at the same time, we’ll be letting you know the research-backed truth behind these.
So let’s get started.
Understanding Stem Cell Banking
Stem cells have an amazing capacity to differentiate & develop into various other cell types. And therefore, they can be used to replace unhealthy or diseased body cells.
Stem cell banking is the process of collecting, processing & preserving these stem cells that could be used at a later stage.
But where do we get these stem cells from? Well, while peripheral blood, bone marrow & cord blood are its main sources, the latter is the more preferred choice. This is due to the ease of their availability & lower risk of causing an immune rejection in the transplanted patient.
For umbilical cord blood banking, the stem cell-rich cord blood is collected at the time of the baby’s birth. These stem cells have the potential to safeguard your entire family against the impact of 80+ medical disorders such as cancer.
Despite the huge healing potential of these cord blood stem cells, parents are often hesitant to go ahead with cord blood banking. The reason is those myths that we mentioned earlier.
So let’s find out the truth hidden behind these tall cord blood banking myths!
Myth 1
Cord blood extraction is a painful process for the baby
Fact:
Not at all! If you’re wondering how so then read this. The cord blood is collected only after the umbilical cord is clamped, cut & separated from the baby after birth. So RELAX!
Myth 2
Adult stem cells are better than cord blood stem cells
Fact:
The truth is quite the opposite of this. Cord blood stem cells have been found to have several advantages over adult stem cells such as:
- Easy & painless collection
- Easy finding a match
- Fewer risks of immune rejection inside the patient (host)
- Can be cryopreserved for future use
Myth 3
Stem cell research carries a risk of reproductive cloning
Fact:
You bet we all get equally concerned when a rumour is as grave as this one is. But rest assured that most countries including India have strict protocols against reproductive cloning. As long as these are in place there is nothing to worry about stem cell research crossing such ethical boundaries.
Myth 4
Stem Cell Banking is Illegal.
Fact:
This may be true for most biological tissues EXCEPT umbilical cord blood. The ICMR clearly states so in its guidelines that it has banned the sourcing & therapeutic use of all biological materials except cord blood.
Myth 5
Stem cells can cure ALL diseases.
Fact:
While it’s true that stem cells can treat over 80 life-threatening medical conditions, they are no magic pill. Their use & applications are limited depending on the type of disease.
Summing Up
Distinguishing facts from fiction or myths is very important when it comes to life-saving medical procedures such as cord blood stem cell banking. As the branch of medicine is garnering more attention from researchers than ever before, it’s equally wise to stay informed & educated about the topic. And we hope this blog helped you on those fronts.
So, if you’re an expecting parent, make sure not to let go of this unique chance by signing up for LifeCell stem cell preservation. And secure your little one’s future from the very beginning. Also, safeguard your entire family against the impact of 80+ serious medical conditions like cancer.
Reference
- Stem Cells: Types, What They Are & What They Do
- Stem Cell Banking for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine – PMC
- Parents’ knowledge, awareness and attitudes of cord blood donation and banking options: an integrative review | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Diseases Treated
- Cord Blood Banking: Purpose, Procedure & What To Expect
- Cord Blood Banking | ACOG
- GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON HUMAN CLONING BY VOTE OF 84-34-3
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