Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community  

Go Back   Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community > Chatter > General Discussion


 
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 02-03-2004, 02:50 PM   #1 (permalink)
Psycho
 
89transam's Avatar
 
Location: Central California
Cord Blood

http://www.redcross.org/faq/0,1096,0_104_,00.html#824


Quote:
What is cord blood?
Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby. During pregnancy, oxygen and essential nutrients pass from the mother's blood into the blood of the baby. This lifeline between mother and child is provided through the placenta and the baby's umbilical cord. The blood found in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth is unique because it carries large numbers of blood stem cells – blood cells that create the red cells that carry oxygen, white cells that fight disease and platelets that help blood clot. When patients are treated for leukemia and certain other diseases, their stem cells often are wiped out.

Research indicates that cord blood replenishes these vital stem cells, making recovery possible.
Back to Top


Why is there such excitement about cord blood?
There are special cells in cord blood that are present in bone marrow and only in tiny quantities in adult blood. These are the cells that make bone marrow transplants work.

Scientists hope that cord blood technology will help patients who can't find a matching marrow donor.
Back to Top


Why should someone donate cord blood?
By donating cord blood, someone else can have a second chance at life. A patient who needs a marrow transplant but who cannot find a donor has effectively run out of medical options; the cord blood you donate could be the difference. We like to think of this as making the birth of your baby count twice; the new life of your new baby and the new life the cord blood could bring to someone else.
Back to Top


How long can cord blood be stored?
We store the cord blood in a special freezer (-180°C; the temperature in your freezer at home is only around -20°C). Under these conditions, we believe that cord blood can be stored for long periods of time. However, because the field is new, we don't yet have precise data about exactly how long cord blood can be stored.
Back to Top


How is the patient matched with the donated cord?
Almost all cells in the human body carry an "identification code" that is used by the immune system to confirm that the cells belong. One-half of this code is inherited from each parent in a set of genes called HLA. The identification code itself is called the HLA type. In the transplantation of blood stem cells, it is very important that the HLA type of the transplanted cells closely match the HLA type of the recipient. Cord blood cells are HLA-typed when they are placed in storage. This HLA information is entered into a database where it can be compared to the HLA types of patients in need of stem cell transplants. Technological advances have made this matching process practical and effective.
Back to Top


How is this related to private cord blood banking?
It is not. The American Red Cross cord blood bank system is exclusively for non-related donation. We believe that the need for donations that exists now far outweighs the miniscule possibility that a family would ever need to use cord blood they have banked privately.
Back to Top


What happens to donated cord blood?
The cord blood collected for our bank is tested and stored. Each unit is systematically reviewed to ensure all aspects of collections, processing and storage meet stringent quality standards. If a reason for exclusion is found, the unit may be used for research, quality control, or, depending on the severity of the issue, may be discarded.

If the unit is acceptable for transplant, we confidentially send the results of testing to a central databank using a coded identifier, not a name. When a doctor anywhere around the world has a patient who needs a transplant, the hospital contacts this databank. If one of our cord blood units is a match for that patient, they inform us and we send the cord blood to the doctor for the transplant.
Back to Top


How can you be sure the donated cord blood is safe?
As with any blood donation, there is a careful screening process. For cord blood, this includes review of any maternal and paternal medical problems and risk behaviors. A blood sample from the mother is also rigorously tested for a variety of blood borne diseases.
Back to Top


How does a person in need get access to the cord blood?
When a patient in need of transplantation is identified, their blood is drawn for Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) identification, or "tissue typing." Antigens are hereditary information that are located on the surface of almost all the cells in your body. They play a role in recognizing cells that are your own ("self") and not your own ("nonself"). By testing lymphocytes, the transplant laboratory is able to determine which six HLA antigens the patient has as a part of their genetic makeup. The patient's HLA identification is entered into a national database. Once a cord blood sample is processed, the cord blood HLA identification also is entered into the same database. When a match is identified, the patient's physician is notified. The stored cord blood can be shipped anywhere in the world for transplantation.
Back to Top


Why cord blood instead of bone marrow?
First, collection of bone marrow is invasive and can be very painful. It requires extracting the marrow from the donor's bones with a needle and syringe. Because this procedure is expensive and involved, there is a shortage of donors.

Second, it is difficult to match between donor and recipient. Current potential for a bone marrow match may be as low as one in a million for Caucasians and even lower for ethnic minority patients. The matching problem is further compounded by the fact that minorities are under-represented in the unrelated bone marrow donor programs. Third, cord blood transplant patients may have a higher survival rate, a higher quality of life after transplant and less frequent hospitalization due to fewer complications such as Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). This makes the overall cost of cord blood transplantation significantly lower than traditional bone marrow transplants.
Back to Top


What is (GVHD)?
GVHD is one of the most common and life threatening side effects of a bone marrow transplant. GVHD occurs when the transplanted material recognizes the recipient's body as foreign and rejects it. This reduces the survival rate of the patient to less than 50 percent at two years post transplant. Cord blood transplants have been noticeable for reduced incidence of serious GVHD.
Back to Top


What about donor confidentiality?
No identifying information is exchanged between a cord blood donor and cord blood transplant recipient. The identity of the cord blood donor is kept confidential at the cord blood bank.
Back to Top


How would the cord blood be used?
Cord blood stem cells can be transfused into patients with blood diseases after chemotherapy and/or radiation have destroyed their own stem cells. Research indicates that cord blood can be used in place of bone marrow stem cells. This is important when a matching bone marrow donor cannot be found. Studies show that once transplanted, these cells migrate to the bone marrow, where they begin creating healthy blood cells. This process has enabled study recipients to reconstitute their immune systems.
Back to Top


How much cord blood is collected?
About 80 milliliters (approximately five to six tablespoons) of cord blood can be collected from each donor. Because cord blood is rich in stem cells, this relatively small amount is enough to provide a transplant for a child or most teenagers. Work is underway to maximize the amount of cord blood collected in each donation. Additionally, researchers are investigating ways to expand the volume of collected blood in the laboratory.
Back to Top


Who will be helped by cord blood donation?
Every year, about 30,000 patients are diagnosed with diseases that might be treatable with cord blood. This includes leukemias, neuroblastoma, refractory anemia, Hodgkin's Disease and other cancers. Research also shows promise that cord blood can also treat genetic diseases such as sickle-cell anemia, aplastic anemia, thalassemia and Fanconi anemia.
Back to Top


What do donors need to do?
Women who decide to participate will be asked to sign a consent form. We will take a blood sample and ask them to complete a brief questionnaire exploring their family's medical history. All information and files will be kept in strict confidence. Immediately after the baby is born and the cord is clamped and cut, the umbilical cord blood will be collected by an American Red Cross cord blood collection specialist or by an obstetrician or midwife trained by the American Red Cross.
Back to Top


Who can donate?
Prospective donors must fill out a medical and family history questionnaire. The mother's blood, usually taken with other hospital blood samples, also is tested. Cord blood initially may be collected from routine deliveries at selected hospitals. However, because of the extraordinary expense of collections, not all new mothers will be able to donate cord blood.
Back to Top


Is it a complicated process?
Far from it. The collection process does not affect the baby because the cord blood is collected after the baby has been born and the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. At this point, instead of discarding the umbilical cord, a trained cord collection staff person, obstetrician or midwife collects the blood that remains in the umblical cord and placenta.

It is a painless, noninvasive donor procedure that usually takes from one to three minutes to complete. The small amount of blood remaining in the umbilical cord, typically about 80 to 100 mL (5 ounces), will be drained and taken to the American Red Cross cord blood bank to be frozen.
Back to Top


Is there any cost for donating?
There is no cost for donating this gift of life. The American Red Cross, with the financial support of generous donors, will take care of the procedure and cover the cost of donation.
Back to Top


How new is this procedure? Has it been tested?
It is a relatively new procedure. Fewer than 1,000 people worldwide have had cord blood transplants. The first cord blood transplant took place in France in 1988, for a child with Fanconi Anemia. In 1991, a transplant was performed on a child with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Both transplants were successful, opening the doors to use cord blood for situations in which traditional bone marrow was routinely utilized. Since then, approximately two-thirds of cord blood transplants have been performed for malignant conditions. The other third have been for a variety of genetic blood disorders.

Overall, cord blood transplants boast an optimistic success rate. However, cord blood transplantation is still a developing medical technology and research on collection and transplantation is by no means complete. The American Red Cross Cord Blood Program is part of ongoing research monitored by the FDA.
Back to Top


What about the health and safety of the baby?
The collection process does not affect the baby because the cord blood is collected after the baby has been born and the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. The collection is both painless and safe. Average collection time is one to three minutes. Until now, cord blood and placenta routinely have been discarded following births. Even so, no donation can occur until the baby's mother agrees, on behalf of her child, to the collection and storage of the cord blood for possible transplantation.
Back to Top


Where can people donate?
Because of the extraordinary expense related to collecting cord blood donations, the American Red Cross is collaborating with a select group of hospitals where donations are being collected. Anyone interested in donating cord blood should call the America Red Cross.
Back to Top


How is the cord blood used after donation?
Cord blood is sent to an American Red Cross cord blood bank, where it is typed, analyzed and categorized, frozen and stored until it is needed. When a match is identified, the stored cord blood can be shipped anywhere in the world.
Back to Top


How do patients receive stem cells?
Like all other stem cell transplants, cord blood stem cells are administered to the patient directly into the blood stream. This takes place once the patient's own stem cells and immune system have been destroyed through a rigorous treatment of chemotherapy and/or radiation to wipe out the diseased cells. Once infused, the new stem cells travel to the bone marrow spaces, where they take up residence and begin to multiply.
Back to Top
A good read. I had no idea you could donate your babys umbilical cord blood , but apperantly they can be a real lifesaver. I think for all of us that are gonna hve kids in the next decade or so its a good thing to remember.

Edit Put in the text

Last edited by 89transam; 02-03-2004 at 04:51 PM..
89transam is offline  
Old 02-03-2004, 04:04 PM   #2 (permalink)
Comment or else!!
 
KellyC's Avatar
 
Location: Home sweet home
How interesting. Medical science have once again amazes me.
__________________
Him: Ok, I have to ask, what do you believe?
Me: Shit happens.
KellyC is offline  
Old 02-03-2004, 04:29 PM   #3 (permalink)
Please touch this.
 
Halx's Avatar
 
Owner/Admin
Location: Manhattan
please post some text for we-who-do-not-click-blindly-on-links
__________________
You have found this post informative.
-The Administrator
[Don't Feed The Animals]
Halx is offline  
Old 02-03-2004, 04:32 PM   #4 (permalink)
Insane
 
Location: in a golden garden of grey
Yes, it is very cool, but very expensive as well.

You have to pay so much a year for storage.
__________________
...absent of everything.
absence_of_color is offline  
Old 02-03-2004, 07:44 PM   #5 (permalink)
Optimistic Skeptic
 
Location: Midway between a Beehive and Centennial
My wife and I are planning on having another child soon. This is definitely something I will discuss with her. Thanks for the post.
__________________
IS THAT IT ???!!!
Do you even know what 'it' is?

When the last man dies for just words that he said... We Shall Be Free
BentNotTwisted is offline  
Old 02-04-2004, 07:38 AM   #6 (permalink)
Free Mars!
 
feelgood's Avatar
 
Location: I dunno, there's white people around me saying "eh" all the time
Interesting...
__________________
Looking out the window, that's an act of war. Staring at my shoes, that's an act of war. Committing an act of war? Oh you better believe that's an act of war
feelgood is offline  
Old 02-04-2004, 09:15 AM   #7 (permalink)
Devoted
 
Redlemon's Avatar
 
Donor
Location: New England
This was not available in Connecticut when we checked a year and a half ago.
__________________
I can't read your signature. Sorry.
Redlemon is offline  
Old 02-04-2004, 12:49 PM   #8 (permalink)
Professor of Drinkology
 
Interesting...
__________________
Blah.
tritium is offline  
Old 02-04-2004, 06:04 PM   #9 (permalink)
Insane
 
i can't see any drawbacks to that. But I'm sure somewhere, somebody is opposed to it.
__________________
Green. Yellow. Blue.
aarchaon is offline  
Old 02-05-2004, 01:26 AM   #10 (permalink)
Shade
 
Nisses's Avatar
 
Location: Belgium
I'm sure there is

However, I would also think that 95% of all babies born in western countries would have parents that don't care much for what happens to it... So if it works as well as they are describing here, then they should just get it all set up. Let it be the parents' informed choice.

If you think of what they do with the placenta already, I can hardly imagine one would get hung up over the umbilical cord.
__________________
Moderation should be moderately moderated.
Nisses is offline  
Old 02-06-2004, 03:58 PM   #11 (permalink)
Cosmically Curious
 
onodrim's Avatar
 
Location: Chicago, IL
Wow, I never knew that you could do something like that. Certainly something I'd look into as a potential mother one day. Thanks for the information!
__________________
"The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there’s little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides"
-Carl Sagan
onodrim is offline  
Old 02-06-2004, 04:12 PM   #12 (permalink)
Psycho
 
Location: uhhhh
Crazy...now just have to find a girlfriend, marry her, then talk her into it.
__________________
Still Looking
mingusfingers is offline  
Old 02-06-2004, 07:18 PM   #13 (permalink)
Psycho
 
89transam's Avatar
 
Location: Central California
Quote:
Originally posted by mingusfingers
Crazy...now just have to find a girlfriend, marry her, then talk her into it.
Why get married? Im having kids to get their precious cords!

1. Have kid
2. Get Cord
3. ?????
4. Profit
89transam is offline  
Old 02-06-2004, 10:37 PM   #14 (permalink)
Comment or else!!
 
KellyC's Avatar
 
Location: Home sweet home
Quote:
Originally posted by 89transam
Why get married? Im having kids to get their precious cords!

1. Have kid
2. Get Cord
3. ?????
4. Profit
Maybe more in the line of:

Meet a girl, fall in love, get married, have kids, thought about this thread and how useful the cord is, talk to her about it, save a life, the feeling of saving a life is the profit.

Thats exactly what i'm gonna do!.....in a couple years....
KellyC is offline  
 

Tags
blood, cord

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:39 PM.

Tilted Forum Project

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2
© 2002-2012 Tilted Forum Project

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360