Collection of umbilical cord blood-stem cells

Types of stem cells

Hematopoietic stem cells

They are responsible for the formation of different blood cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These types of cells are found in the blood of blood vessels, in the adult bone marrow, and in the umbilical cord. The ease of obtaining stem cells from the umbilical cord is much greater than that of bone marrow, and despite having less quantity they have a greater capacity to multiply as they are more immature.

Mesenchymal stem cells

Present in the tissue of the umbilical cord, and its division originate in the tissues of the human body, such as muscles, bones and organs. Due to their great potential, they constitute the main line of research in the field of regenerative medicine whose objective is the regeneration of organs and tissues.

How is umbilical cord blood collected?

Once the delivery phase of labor is over, that is, once the baby has delivered, and while awaiting delivery, the delivery of the placenta, the umbilical cord blood can be collected. and in the placenta and that with the exit of the placenta it is also eliminated and disposed of with the rest of organic waste.

There are some collection kits with a storage bag that carries an anticoagulant liquid connected to one or two collection needles. Once the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, it can be punctured to collect the blood that remains in it.

This has no consequence for the fetus or the mother since it is a blood that if not collected is discarded.

If mesenchymal stem cells are also preserved, from the umbilical cord, once the blood collection is finished, a piece of cord is cut and placed in a specific container for it.

Once the collection is finished, the collection bag is sealed and stored in a specific container supplied with the kit for better conservation. The house responsible for the storage goes to the hospital to collect the blood and sends it to their laboratory.

What are umbilical cord stem cells for?

The cells of the umbilical cord can currently be used in the treatment of many diseases, especially hematological. Most of these diseases are very rare but require aggressive treatment. They can be used for transplants in children, since their quantity is limited to the quantity that can be obtained, and they usually serve in patients of less than 40-50 Kg.

They are fully compatible with the child from whom they have been collected and, if needed in non-genetically inherited diseases, they can be used with better results than those from a compatible donor. There is a 25% chance that they can serve a sibling.

What types of banks are there?

There are two types of banks:

• Public: blood stored in the public bank can be used by any compatible patient who needs it without notifying the donor. It has the advantage of being free for the donor and of being more supportive.
• Private: It is stored abroad and is usually stored for 20 years. It must be paid privately and only the donor or their family has access to that sample.

PREFERRED PRICE SERVICE FOR MAPFRE ESPAÑA INSURED.