Stem cells are precursor cells for blood cell regeneration. A few years ago, you would have needed to withdraw stem cells from the bone marrow of a donor. It is a very painful procedure and several blood matching tests have to be done which often results in donor-receiver incompatibility. Then there was the very controversial embryonic stem cell where stem cells are collected from a growing embryo. Research studies on this had been facing a lot of draw back due to ethical issues. Finally, umbilical cord blood banking was found. Cord blood has been discovered to be rich in good quality stem cells.
Cord blood banking has been gaining popularity since a cord blood transfusion was done in 1988. The remaining blood in the umbilical cord after it has been cut during delivery is collected. In the process of collection, there is no harm done to the baby or the mother. And the collection process is pretty simple and requires minimal time. This in any way does not impose an ethical problem that is why medical researches have been on the way without any setbacks. Studies show a lot of promise for cord blood use. At the moment, it is being used to treat brain injuries, diabetes type 1 and cardiovascular problems.
Once the cord blood is collected, it will be processed and cryopreserved in a cord blood bank. Cord blood banking services can be provided by a public cord blood bank or a private cord blood bank. When it is donated to a public cord blood bank, the cord blood is tissue typed and added to the data base. The data base is accessible by hospitals that may need them for a particular patient. The stem cells deposited in a public cord blood bank is available to the public. The processing and preservation process is free.
On the other hand, the private cord blood bank processes and cryopreserves cord blood for possible future use of the donor or the family. Private cord blood banking is done with a fee. It is a bit costly that is why it has been plagued with criticisms from both the medical and patient aspects. This type of blood banking is useful for those donors with known existing genetic problems like leukemia and diabetes type 1. It is extra helpful for patients who require autologous transfusion of stem cells. Autologous transfusion is when the patient gets transfused with his own blood due to compatibility problems.