Stem cells have a great potential importance in the future of healthcare. They are capable of repairing and replacing different cell types in the body.
With advancements in technology, it is hoped stem cells will be used in therapy for degenerative diseases and in treatment of damage to tissue.
Storing umbilical cord blood offers peace of mind and the opportunity to avail of these advancements at a later stage.
Cord blood stem cells are among the youngest possible stem cells that can be collected and stored. Exploring their use in treating disease is the subject of many clinical trials.
The first cord blood transplant took place in 1988 and since then more than 40,000 transplants have taken place using cord blood stem cells.
These unique stem cells collected at birth can be used in life-saving treatments for diseases such as inherited blood disorders, like Sickle Cell Disease – there are also clinical trials to explore their use in treating conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism.
There are further trials to using cord blood stem cells in treating type-1 diabetes, autoimmune diseases and for brain repair.