Cord blood bank

Cord Blood Bank

Cord blood bank (pronunciation: /kɔːrd blʌd bæŋk/) is a medical facility that specializes in the collection, processing, and storage of umbilical cord blood following childbirth.

Etymology

The term "cord blood bank" is derived from the words "cord blood", referring to the blood in a newborn's umbilical cord and placenta, and "bank", which refers to a place where something is stored or accumulated.

Collection

The process of cord blood collection occurs immediately after the birth of a baby. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and the remaining blood within the cord and placenta is collected. This blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which have the potential to treat a variety of diseases.

Processing

Once collected, the cord blood is transported to the cord blood bank where it undergoes processing. This involves separating the stem cells from the rest of the blood and any other cellular debris. The cord blood is then cryopreserved, a process that involves cooling the cells to a very low temperature to maintain their viability and potential for future use.

Storage

The processed and cryopreserved cord blood is then stored in the cord blood bank. This storage is often long-term, with the cord blood available for potential future use by the child or a compatible family member.

Use

Cord blood stored in a cord blood bank can be used in the treatment of various diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood and immune system disorders. The stem cells in the cord blood can be used in stem cell transplantation, a procedure that replaces diseased or damaged cells with healthy ones.

Related Terms

• Umbilical cord
• Hematopoietic stem cells
• Stem cell transplantation
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cord blood bank
• Wikipedia's article - Cord blood bank

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