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August 04, 2005

Primer On Stem Cells – Part II

In order to understand the legal issues surrounding stem cells, it is important to understand the science.  Therefore, today we continue our brief overview of stem cell terminology.  As you may recall, we’ve already discussed the differences between pluripotent and multipotent stem cells.  Today’s blog will focus on umbilical cord blood as a source for stem cell transplantation.

Transplantation with hematopoietic stem cells (cells that can later develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets) has routinely been utilized by doctors to improve a body’s ability to make blood cells.  In the past, doctors used bone marrow for such transplantation because it contains a significant number of hematopoietic stem cells.  Over the past few years, however, cord blood has emerged as a viable source for stem cell transplantation.  This is due, in large part, to the fact that cord blood contains a substantial number of hematopoietic stem cells.  In addition, cord blood is relatively easy to gather as it can be taken from the umbilical cord and placental blood after the birth of a child.

After collection, the cord blood is taken to a facility for testing, freezing and storage. Testing procedures typically include cell counts, testing for infectious agents and HLA typing.  After the cord blood is tested, it is frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen for future use. When needed, the cord blood is thawed and injected into a patient’s vein with the hope that the stem cells will restore the body’s ability to make blood cells.

Stay tuned for further additions to our primer on stem cells.

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Comments

Good point. There are however a few other things many people should be aware of. Most know that cord blood banks collect, process, test and store the donated umbilical cord blood for the public use, taking into account the great number of people who are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases each year. Therefore, cord blood banks look after expectant mothers, informing them about the importance of their umbilical cord blood and the possibility of helping some people who suffer from terrible diseases. Nevertheless, the information and sensitizing of the population is not fully achieved as in the case of simple blood donation. Cord blood stem cell transplants are considered in order to replace blood marrow transplants. The possibility of finding the match for the patients in need increases, as in 2001 the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies stated that roughly 20,000 American lives were saved through transplants of stem cells. I’ve covered some other aspects related to this topic on my website, Cordbloodhub.com - please let me know if you find them useful.

Regards,

Michael Rad

Posted by: Michael Rad | Apr 25, 2006 9:41:27 AM

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