When parents are expecting a baby, they often decide to bank their newborn’s umbilical cord blood. But what many people don’t know is that you can also bank your newborn’s umbilical cord tissue. So what’s the difference between cord blood and cord tissue? And which one is right for you? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of banking cord blood versus banking cord tissue.
What is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after childbirth. Cord blood is rich in stem cells, which are the building blocks of the body’s blood and immune system. Cord blood has been used in stem cell transplants for more than 30 years and is currently being used to treat more than 80 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell disease.
Cord blood is a valuable resource for treating patients with these diseases because it is less likely to cause rejection than other types of stem cell transplants. Cord blood stem cells are also being studied for their potential to treat a variety of other conditions, including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries. Cord blood is collected after the baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut. Cord blood can be stored for many years, making it a valuable resource for treating patients with diseases that cannot be cured with currently available treatments.
What is Cord Tissue?
Cord tissue is the tissue that remains after the umbilical cord is cut. Cord tissue contains a variety of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into a number of different cell types. Cord tissue can be used to treat a number of different conditions, including injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Cord tissue is a promising new area of medical research, and its potential uses are continually being explored.
Difference between Cord Blood and Cord Tissue
Cord blood and cord tissue are both rich sources of stem cells. Cord blood stem cells are collected from the umbilical cord after birth and can be used to treat a range of blood disorders. Cord tissue stem cells are found in the tissue that surrounds the umbilical cord and can be used to treat a range of degenerative diseases. Cord tissue is also being studied for its potential to regenerate damaged tissue, such as nerves or heart muscle.
Conclusion
Cord blood and cord tissue are two different types of stem cells that come from the umbilical cord. Cord blood is harvested after the baby is born, while cord tissue can be collected during birth or after birth. Both have their own unique benefits, which is why it’s important to understand the difference between them before making a decision about whether or not to bank your child’s stem cells.
