Stem cell banking, or umbilical cord banking, is a relatively new concept. The blood from the umbilical cord is immediately collected after the child birth. This blood is rich in stem cells, also known as master cells, have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.
Stem cells have shown promising potential in the treatment of diseases like leukemia, diabetes, thalassemia, spinal cord injury etc. The collection process doesn't pain either the child or mother. Earlier this blood used to be discarded after delivery. Click here for more information.
There are two main companies doing stem cell banking in India -- Reliance and Lifecell. You will find lot more information about the stem cell banking on Lifecell website.
These companies store the blood for 21 year and custody is with mother. One time fees for 21 years costs around Rs. 70-75K. There are some more payment options wherein you pay around Rs. 37K for registration and processing, and then around Rs. 3500/- per year for 21 years. Check with these companies for details.
It does appear expensive but if shows even half the results as are projected now, I think its worth going for stem cell banking.
There are other sources of stem cells also like bone marrow. But bone marrow match is very difficult and expensive also. Stem cells will easily match because they are yours only.
A good article on Cord blood banking by a doctor of MaxHealthCare, New Delhi.
Click here to download brochure from Reliance.
Stem cell research blog
Reliance offices in India (+91 22 6767 8000/1800 22 3900)
Lifecell offices in India
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