CORD BLOOD


Preserving the stem cells from your newborn’s umbilical cord blood can provide life-long medical protection. Umbilical cord blood contains a high concentration of stem cells, the basic cells from which many kinds of human tissue can develop. These stem cells have the ability to grow into various cells found in blood, such as red blood cells (which transport oxygen), white blood cells (which help to fight against diseases and infections), and platelets (which aid the body in healing itself.) Preserved stem cells from the umbilical cord can be considered a form of “bio-insurance” for your child. They can be used to treat such cancers as leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and neuroblastoma, as well as non-malignant diseases such as anemia and many other disorders. Preserving these cells is one sure way for your child to have, at any age, an exact match with no risk of rejection should blood or specific organs need to be replaced due to disease. In addition, the umbilical cord stem cells are often suitable for use by other family members (especially siblings) with very low rejection rates when compared to unrelated donors’ cells. The cells can be made available immediately when the need arises. Timely treatment minimizes the progression of disease and offers the best prognosis. There are currently over 700 clinical and scientific research projects establishing the efficacy of stem cells in treating many diseases. The opportunity to preserve your child’s umbilical cord stem cells comes, literally, once in a lifetime. We will be happy to assist you as you consider this important decision.

Questions and Answers:

Q. Is my baby’s cord blood a good source of stem cells? A. It’s an excellent source. Cord blood has a high concentration of these valuable cells. If properly collected and processed, they provide life-long protection for your child and, in many cases, your entire family. Q. How and when is cord blood obtained? A. The cord blood is collected right after the birth of your child in a quick and painless, risk-free procedure. A member of the delivery team removes the blood from the cut umbilical cord and the placenta, with no discomfort to the mother or the newborn. Next, the blood is transferred to a special transporting kit and delivered overnight to the facilities of Reproductive Genetics Institute in Chicago. RGI is the world’s leader in clinical and scientific research relating to infertility and cryogenic tissue banking. Q. Once in the lab, what happens to the blood? A. Each specimen is processed and stored in a privately registered and uniquely labeled vessel in the cryogenic bank. The cells can be accessed only by the parents or the child at the age of consent. Research indicates these cells can last indefinitely. Q. Why should parents choose Cytoresource and RGI to store their child’s blood? A. Cytoresource’s individualized approach is what sets us apart from other facilities. We will discuss the available options with the expecting parents in the comfort and privacy of our consulting center or at your doctor’s office. In addition, our association with RGI assures access not just to a cryogenic bank, but to a world-class clinical and research facility devoted to the reliable treatment and prevention of hereditary and acquired diseases. RGI’s experience and dedication to stem cell research and banking makes it not just the best, but also the most affordable storage center.