What are Cord Blood Stem Cells?

Following the birth of a baby, the umbilical cord is usually discarded along with the placenta. However, it is now known that blood retrieved from the umbilical cord is a rich source of blood stem cells.

Like the bone marrow, stem cells from umbilical cord blood can be used to treat various disorders that affect the blood and immune system, leukemia and certain solid tumours as well as some inherited disorders.

After all, cord blood stem cells are the building blocks in our blood and immune system. They can multiply and mature into other blood cells to regenerate and replenish our immune system. Cord blood stem cells are a perfect match for the baby and carry a significant probability of match in other family members.

Studies have consistently demonstrated that umbilical cord blood is an effective alternative source of HSC for adult transplantations.