Cord blood is a rich source of stem cells that can be used in various medical treatments. The collection and storage of cord blood are crucial processes that ensure its safety and effectiveness for future medical use. In this article, we will explore how cord blood is collected and stored safely.

What Is Cord Blood?

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. This blood is particularly valuable because it contains hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into different types of blood cells and are used to treat conditions like leukemia and certain genetic disorders.

How Is Cord Blood Collected?

The process of collecting cord blood usually occurs immediately after childbirth. It is a simple and painless procedure that involves the following steps:

• Preparation: Before the delivery, parents should discuss cord blood banking with their healthcare provider. They may choose a public or private bank. A kit is provided to collect the blood.
• Collection: After the baby is delivered and has been clamped and cut, a healthcare professional collects the blood from the umbilical cord. This is done using a sterile procedure to ensure no contamination occurs.
• Transport: The collected cord blood is placed in a specially designed bag and transported to the lab for processing. This must be done quickly to maintain the viability of the stem cells.

Safety Protocols During Collection

Ensuring safety during the collection of cord blood is a top priority. The following protocols are observed:

• Sterility: The collection is performed by trained professionals using sterile equipment to prevent any risk of infection.
• Informed Consent: Parents are given comprehensive information about the process and must give their consent before collection begins.
• Health Screening: Parents are often screened for infectious diseases to minimize the risk of transmitting any infection through the cord blood.

How Is Cord Blood Processed and Stored?

Once the cord blood reaches the processing facility, it undergoes several steps to ensure it is stored correctly:

• Testing: The cord blood is tested for various infectious agents and the quality of stem cells is assessed. This testing guarantees that only viable and healthy samples are preserved.
• Processing: The blood is usually separated into its components: stem cells, plasma, and red blood cells. The stem cells are then concentrated for optimal storage.
• Cryopreservation: The stem cells are frozen at very low temperatures using liquid nitrogen, typically at -196 degrees Celsius. This process halts all cellular activities and preserves the cells for future use.

Long-Term Storage of Cord Blood

Stored cord blood can remain viable for many years. Most reputable cord blood banks provide a storage period of at least 20 years. However, some have facilities that can store samples for even longer. Parents should ensure that the bank they choose is accredited and follows regulatory guidelines.

Conclusion

The collection and storage of cord blood are essential steps in making this precious resource available for medical treatments. With strict safety protocols in place during collection and advanced techniques used in processing and storage, parents can feel confident about the medical potential of their child's cord blood.