the importance of cord blood and tissue stem cell banking: a guide for expectant parents

By Future Health Biobank

Every year, thousands of parents in the UK are faced with an exciting yet life-changing
decision – whether to store their baby’s cord blood and tissue stem cells.

Stem cell banking has rapidly become a popular option for families seeking to safeguard their child’s future health. But what exactly is cord blood banking, why is it important, and how can parents take advantage of this opportunity? Let’s explore.

Stem cells are the building blocks of life. They are unique cells with the remarkable ability to develop into many different types of specialised cells, such as blood cells, brain cells, or muscle cells. Stem cells are essential in the body’s natural healing processes, as they can repair or replace damaged tissues.

Stem cells come in various forms, but the ones found in cord blood and tissue are
particularly valuable. These include:

1. Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs):
Found in cord blood, these stem cells can form all types of blood cells and are often used in treating blood-related diseases.

2. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs):
Found in the tissue of the umbilical cord, these stem cells have regenerative properties and can develop into bone, cartilage, and connective tissues.

The versatility and healing potential of these cells have made them vital in modern medicine, with over 80 standard therapies, including for illnesses such as leukaemias, solid tumours, anaemias and inherited conditions.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save your baby’s stem cells is shortly after their birth.

Collecting your baby’s stem cells is compatible with all birth types, delayed cord clamping, placenta encapsulation, IVF donor egg/sperm, and surrogacy.

The process is safe and non-invasive, as the cells are collected by a skilled healthcare professional shortly after your baby’s birth. Using a specially developed collection kit, your baby’s cells are transported to the laboratory in Nottingham for processing and storing.

Cord blood and tissue banking involves collecting and preserving the stem cells from a baby’s umbilical cord shortly after birth. Parents in the UK often choose to bank these cells for several key reasons:

A Lifesaving Resource
Cord blood stem cells are already used to treat conditions like leukaemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and immune disorders. Should the need arise, having these stem cells stored provides a ready-made biological resource for potential treatments.

Future Medical Advancements
Medical research is continuously evolving, and the possibilities for stem cell therapies are growing. Scientists are exploring treatments for conditions like diabetes, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s, and even spinal cord injuries.

Family Compatibility
Stem cells stored at birth are a 100% match for the baby and may also be a match for siblings or other family members. This increases the likelihood of finding a compatible donor within the family in the future.

A One-Time Opportunity
The umbilical cord is typically discarded after birth. By storing the cord blood and tissue, parents can preserve a valuable resource that would otherwise be lost forever.

For UK parents considering cord blood and tissue banking, Future Health Biobank is one of the most reputable providers. As one of the largest stem cell banks, Future Health Biobank has been trusted by families for over two decades.

Their services include:

Secure Facilities:
Future Health Biobank operates its own laboratory and storage facilities, ensuring the highest levels of safety, quality, and security.

Comprehensive Testing and Processing:
The lab adheres to strict regulatory guidelines, including those set by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) in the UK.

Personalised Customer Care:
From collection kits to transportation and ongoing storage, Future Health Biobank supports parents every step of the way.

Cord blood and tissue banking is an investment in your child’s future health. While it may not be a decision every family chooses to make, it offers peace of mind knowing you’ve taken proactive steps to secure a potentially lifesaving resource.

For parents, providers like Future Health Biobank make the process seamless and reliable. If you’re expecting a baby and considering cord blood and tissue banking, it’s worth exploring this unique opportunity to protect your family’s health.

Families considering stem cells banking can save 15%* on their baby’s cord blood and tissue package. For more information visit futurehealthbiobank.com/contact-us call 0115 967 7707 and quote “busylizzy”.

Future Health Biobank® are Busylizzy’s exclusive Stem Cell Banking partners.

Future Health Biobank® are the UK’s largest and most advanced stem cell bank. They are passionate about protecting your family’s health, whilst staying at the forefront of present and future innovations. This has led them to store more stem cell samples than all other UK banks combined.