What Is Cord Blood Banking?
Before diving into the safety concerns, it's essential to know what cord blood banking is. Cord blood is the blood collected from a newborn's umbilical cord right after birth. This blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which have the unique ability to transform into various types of blood and immune cells. These stem cells have been used in the treatment of over 80 medical conditions, including leukemia, immune system disorders, and genetic diseases.
The cord blood is collected, processed, and stored in a specialized facility to ensure that the stem cells remain viable for years or even decades, should your child or family members ever need them for medical treatments.
Is Cord Blood Collection Safe?
One of the top concerns for parents is whether the process of collecting cord blood is safe for the baby and mother. Fortunately, cord blood collection is entirely safe, non-invasive, and painless. The procedure is done immediately after the baby is born, and it does not interfere with the birthing process.
How the Collection Works:
- After the Baby Is Born: Once the baby is delivered and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, the healthcare provider extracts blood from the remaining portion of the cord using a sterile needle. This process typically takes just a few minutes.
- No Risk to the Baby: Since the blood is taken from the umbilical cord after birth, there is absolutely no discomfort or harm to the baby. It does not affect the timing or safety of the delivery.
- No Risk to the Mother: The process also doesn’t interfere with the mother’s delivery or recovery. Whether it's a vaginal birth or a cesarean section, cord blood collection can be easily performed without any additional risk.
How Safe Is the Storage Process?
Once the cord blood is collected, it’s sent to a stem cell banking facility where it’s processed and cryogenically frozen. The facility's storage process is crucial to ensure the long-term viability of the stem cells.
Trusted providers like Lifecell follow stringent safety protocols to make sure that the cord blood is handled with the utmost care. Here’s what makes the storage process safe:
1. Advanced Cryopreservation Technology
Lifecell uses state-of-the-art cryopreservation technology, which involves freezing the stem cells at extremely low temperatures to ensure they remain viable for future use. The cells are carefully monitored to maintain their quality, ensuring they’re ready for use even decades later.
2. Dual-Site Storage
A unique feature of Lifecell is its dual-site storage. This means that your baby’s stem cells are stored in two separate locations, which significantly reduces the risk of any accidental damage or loss. Even in the unlikely event of a natural disaster or technical malfunction at one site, the backup ensures that your child’s stem cells remain safe.
3. Regular Monitoring
At Lifecell, stem cell samples are periodically checked to ensure they remain viable. The facilities are equipped with backup power supplies, temperature control systems, and 24/7 monitoring to guarantee that your stored cord blood is secure.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Cord Blood Bank
While the process of cord blood banking is generally safe, the level of safety and security often depends on the bank you choose. Not all stem cell banks offer the same level of service and technology, so it’s essential to select a provider you can trust.
Here’s why Lifecell, India’s largest and most trusted stem cell banking company, stands out:
1. Over 3,00,000 Satisfied Families
Lifecell has already helped over 3,00,000 families store their baby’s cord blood, giving them the peace of mind that their child’s health is safeguarded. Their reputation and experience make them a leading choice in the industry.
2. FDA & AABB Accreditation
Lifecell is accredited by both the FDA and AABB, which means they meet the highest international standards for stem cell banking. These certifications ensure that the stem cell collection and storage processes are of the highest quality.
3. Family Protection Plan
One of the unique features of Lifecell is their Family Protection Plan, which allows the stored stem cells to be used not just for the child, but also for other family members, including siblings and parents. This broadens the potential uses of the stored stem cells and provides added protection for your family’s future health needs.
4. Flexible Payment Plans
Another reason parents choose Lifecell is its affordability. Lifecell offers flexible payment options and no-cost EMI plans, making cord blood banking accessible for families across India.
Conclusion
To answer the question: Is cord blood banking safe? Yes, it is a safe, non-invasive, and painless process for both the mother and baby. The collection process is quick and does not interfere with the birth, while the storage procedures, particularly at a trusted facility like Lifecell, ensure that the stem cells are preserved safely and effectively.
By choosing Lifecell, parents not only secure their baby’s future health with world-class storage but also benefit from advanced technology, dual-site storage, and family-wide protection plans. Cord blood banking is a safe, valuable investment in your family’s health, offering peace of mind and the potential to treat serious medical conditions in the future.