Have you stored your baby's stem cell?

An increasing number of people are keen to store stem cells of their babies who, in case, develop some disease can be treated with stem cells. Here is a detailed look at how stem cells can be stored, where they can be stored and related facilities in Hyderabad.

Stem Cells Collection...

Cord Stem cells are cells of cord blood. Cord blood is the leftover blood in the umbilical cord and placenta that is otherwise thrown away after the birth of the baby. The collection of stem cells or cord blood is simple process that takes 5-10 minutes. As cord blood or stem cells are collected after an umbilical cord has been cut, it does not give any pain to the mother or her newly born baby.

Laboratory that you have approached for stem cell storage takes care of further procedure of processing and preservation. It is preserved in freezing bags in liquid nitrogen vapour.

Significance...

Stem cells are cells that can regenerate all types of tissues, organs and systems in the human body. They can regenerate into 200 types of tissues. Every stem cell divides into a potential muscle cell or red blood cell or nerve cell. Stem cell has the capacity to reconstruct, repair the damaged cell structures or ailing organs.

As of now, more than 80 diseases including cancer, blood and metabolic disorder, Thalassemia and some genetic disorders can be treated with stem cells. 'Most of the blood related diseases are curable with stem cells. Nowadays stem cells are used instead of bone-marrow implantation,' informed Dr Ranjeet T, Paediatrician, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences.

Cancer that is related to blood could also be cured with it, he added. Ongoing research indicates that numerous other diseases like liver diseases, multiple sclerosis and can be treated with stem cells.

Approaching the stem cells bank...

Cord blood bank should be informed if you are expecting a baby. They will provide you kit or their representative will accompany you in the hospital at the time of baby's birth. The gynecologist who you are taking treatment should be informed.

'Once we collect cord blood, parent's role ends. We take care of further process,' said Anil S, chief operating officer, Path Care Labs, Mahendra Hills. Storage of stem cells for 21 years requires Rs 75,000. Money can be paid through EMI.

Stem cell Banks in Hyderabad

'Almost 10 storage laboratories offer this service. Your gynaecologist can guide you how and when to approach the bank,' informed Dr B Lavanya, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Care Hospital Banjara Hills. '

People in increasing number are approaching the blood banks. We started this facility in January 2010 and till date we have 1100 clients who have stored cord blood of their babies,' said Anil S.

Earlier it was seen that people from upper economic strata were keen to use this facility. Nowadays educated middle class is also approaching us,' he added. 'It is biological insurance.'

'Treatment using cord blood is yet to grow as a trend in India. About four to five centres including CMC Vellore and Tata in Mumbai have this facility so far and the number may grow,' said Dr Ranjeet T.