What is stem cell storage?

When I first started looking into this subject I was surprised that my "understanding" of this was very different to the reality of what it actually is.

Stem cell collection and storage is very simply the collection of "stem cells" from the umbilical cord, once you have given birth and are both well. This procedure is carried out in the delivery room and is totally non invasive on you and your baby. The stem cells are removed from the umbilical cord, which is usually discarded, and then stored for up to 20 years.

What are Stem Cells

Stems cells are the building blocks of life. These cells have the ability to develop into any cells that make up our bodies, from vital organs to our bones, blood and skin.

These cells are what started of as the embryo in your womb and they develop into a fully grown baby, in just nine months, pretty amazing cells then!

With the progress of science these cells can now be harvested from the umbilical cord after you have given birth and stored for future use. This is the bit that may not sit totally comfortably with some of you. Not one of you will want to think that your child will ever be ill, let alone get a life threatening illness, but unfortunately this does happen. The Stem Cells collected at birth could be used in the future to help your child to recover. It is very much a case of "sieze the moment" as you will only get this one chance to harvest these cells at birth.

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