Types of Umbilical Cord Blood Banking in India

Stem cell therapy is one of the effective treatment modalities for cancer. In addition, researchers have proven it a promising method to tackle several rare diseases, which challenges understanding the targets for developing drugs or treatments. Stem cells are unspecialised cells with no specific functions to perform, but they can differentiate themselves to develop into specialised body cells.

The sources of stem cells include embryos, amniotic fluid, bone marrow, and adult blood. However, the umbilical cord is the best source and offers the safest method of stem cell extraction. Umbilical cord storage provides vital support to the hospitals that offer stem cell therapy.

What is Umbilical Cord Blood Banking

 
A phlebotomist from a cord blood bank draws blood from the cord into a sterile collecting bag when parents opt for cord blood preservation. The blood bank then samples the blood to run tests to check for the presence of disease-causing agents, such as viruses and bacteria. Once the examinations show clearance, they store the blood at about minus 196 degrees Celsius.

Types of Cord Blood Bank

• Public Cord Blood Banks

These function under the regulation of government bodies related to public health. They run under funding from the government and public donations. The cord blood stored here is accessible to the public, and the donor's parents do not need to pay the collection and storage charges. However, the donors do not have any authority over their donation and cannot access the blood when in need.

Read also: Difference Between Private And Public Cord Blood Banking

• Private Cord Blood Banks​

Umbilical cord storage in private banks levies charges for every step, including collection, storage, and transportation. Umbilical cord preservation cost in India varies from bank to bank for 21 years. The parents have control over the utilisation of the deposited blood. They can either donate it to an unknown person in need or access it for a relative or the baby itself.

What are Umbilical Cord Preservation Benefits

1. Umbilical cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells, which have the potential to reconstitute any blood cell type. Hence, it can treat life-threatening diseases, including acute lymphocytic leukaemia, Neuroblastoma, Myelodysplastic syndrome, sickle cell anaemia, and thalassemia.
2. The maximum shelf life of cord blood from a baby is 21 years but any biological sample stored below or at minus 150 degree centigrade does not have any shelf life. Hence, cord blood preservation provides insurance for a life-threatening disease diagnosed before the expiry of the blood.
3. Moreover, the parents can donate blood to someone suffering from a deadly disease and help save their life.
4. During the storage, every cord blood bank performs HLA typing on the blood to identify the markers unique to the baby. When the HLA typing of the baby matches with a person diagnosed with a genetic disease, the parents can donate the blood for the treatment.

​Wrapping Up

Umbilical cord blood banking in India has improved by leaps and bounds over the years. The awareness of the value of cord blood storage is improving as new diseases are evolving due to changes in the environment, food habits, and lifestyles posing health risks. Cryoviva is one of the top biotech companies offering cord blood banking services at reasonable pricing and is known for cutting-edge technology enabling the best quality control. Contact us today to secure your tomorrow!