Cord Blood Developments

The term stem cell may conjure up some rare type of cell that can only be found in very specific locations. The opposite is really true. Stem cells are pretty ubiquitous; however, this doesn't mean they can easily be harvested for transplantation and regenerative medicine. It’s the volume and the age of stem cells that are the main driving factors in if they can be collected for regenerative medicine.

Blood banks including cord blood banks use anti-coagulants in their collection bags to combat the coagulation of blood and supply the cells inside with nourishment. While there are a number of different anti-coagulants available, most cord blood banks use one of two: CPD or heparin. Let's look at how they compare.

You'll hear a lot about stem cells when learning about cord blood banking, but you may also come across the term Tregs, too. While a Treg may not be able to do all the things that a cord blood stem cell can do, it does offer distinct opportunities in regenerative medicine. Just like cord blood stem cells, Tregs are found in the umbilical cord after birth and are part of what is preserved when cord blood banking. Let's take a look at these cells.

You may have seen stories from the National Public Radio (NPR) and the L.A. Times being shared via social media on how umbilical cord blood reversed the symptoms of ageing in mice, but let us explain why this isn't, as of now, directly related to cord blood banking.

The cost of childbirth varies greatly depending on location, any complications that occur, and whether its a normal delivery or a cesarean section, but today, the average expectant couple can anticipate the doctor and hospital's charges on their insurance statements to be anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000. Comparing this to the cost of giving birth more than half of a century ago, and many may wish they were born in a different era:

It may sound like the plot of a campy zombie thriller, such as the 1985 cult-classic Re-Animator, but scientists say they are still looking to move ahead with a clinical trial to see if stem cells can awaken neural activity in people whose brains have stopped functioning. While the trial would not lead us to an apocalyptic, zombie-filled, Walking Dead–type world, it could help patients come out of and recover from vegetative comas.

You’re having twins! Whether you see it as double the fun or biting off more than you can chew, you definitely have your hands full. You know you have to double up on the diapers and double the food, but do you also have to double the cord blood and tissue that you bank, too?

You did everything right: You were thinking ahead and took the right steps to ensure you stored your baby’s cord blood. You got your kit early, took it to the hospital with the greatest of care and even told the doctor to fill the collection bag like a balloon. Then you’re struck with a double whammy of bad news. You could blame luck or even medical science, but it may actually come down to the type of collection kit your cord blood bank had provided.

As old as time itself, labor and delivery isn't oft the place for new developments, but here are six new ways people are doing things in the delivery room.

Many expectant parents wonder if cord blood banking is covered by their health insurance or can be deducted from their taxes as a medical expense. There are, in fact, times when cord blood banking is considered an eligible medical expense covered by a family's HSA, FSA, HRA or health insurance plan and can qualify as a tax deduction. Let’s explore.