Cord blood stem cells are special cells which can be used clinically to repopulate damaged or injured bone marrow. These cells can be collected after birth and stored in case they are needed.
Identification
Cord blood stem cells are cells taken from the umbilical cord after a baby is born. These stem cells, the National Marrow Donor Program explains, have the potential to be turned into white and red blood cells and can also be used to replenish the bone marrow.
Uses
Cord blood stem cells can be used to treat a variety of different conditions, FamilyDoctor.org explains. Certain kinds of cancer, auto-immune disorders and diseases of the blood require that the cells in the bone marrow be destroyed. Patients can then receive a transfusion of cord blood stem cells which can repopulate the cells in the bone marrow.
Banking
Cord blood stem cells are extracted from the blood remaining in the umbilical cord after the baby is born. These cells are then frozen and sent to a laboratory for long-term storage. They can then be used if the original donor or any family members needs a blood stem cell transplant.
