Debunking 5 common cord blood banking myths

Debunking 5 common cord blood banking myths

Cord blood (that is left in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth) contains special cells that can be beneficial in treating more than 70 types of conditions, including some genetic disorders, neurologic disorders, and even some forms of cancer. This method of stem cell banking has grown leaps and bounds in technology and popularity today. However, there are many myths floating around about cord blood banking. Here are five of them debunked:

Myth 1: Banked blood stem cells are only good for 18 years
Most blood banks offer cord blood storage for 18–20 years. Due to this, many people believe that stem cells ‘expire’ post this point. However, if stored safely, cord blood cells can last indefinitely.

Myth 2: Taking blood samples from the birth mother is unsafe for the baby
When the mother arrives at the hospital for delivery, a tiny amount of blood is drawn from her (before fluids are given). This blood is sent to a laboratory to run an infectious disease panel to screen any potential risks or threats for the child.

Some people believe that giving extra blood before delivery can be dangerous. However, since a very small amount is drawn, this poses no risk of an unsafe delivery for the mother or child.

Myth 3: It’s not possible to bank cord blood in the case of a C-section
Many people are concerned about cord banking in the case of a C-section. Every surgery requires a clean, sterile room, and a cord blood collection bag could pose a concern. When choosing a cord blood bank, opt for a reputable one that only uses sterilized bags for collection. These can be safely brought into the operating room without posing any risk to the mother and child.

Myth 4: All cord blood banks are the same
There is a common misconception that all cord blood banks are the same and the only factor that distinguishes them is their pricing. However, this is not true. It is crucial to select a blood bank that caters to a family’s specific requirements. Some important factors to consider when choosing a blood bank include their testing and processing standards, registration, accreditation, experience, track record, financial stability, and assistance.

Myth 5: Cord blood banking cannot be used for siblings or other family members
Not only is cord blood an ideal genetic match for the donor, but there is also a high chance that these cells can be used for their siblings (from the same biological family). These sibling matches can also decrease the risk of graft vs. host disease. Biological parents also have a 50% match to this banked cord blood, allowing them to benefit from these cells if needed. Cord blood banking, thus, can be used to keep the entire family safe.

It is best to speak to a primary care doctor or gynecologist for more information on the benefits of cord blood banking and to dispel any myths.

Popular Reads

6 important benefits of using 1Password

6 important benefits of using 1Password

Many websites ask customers and businesses to create password-protected accounts to use certain services. These include social media apps, OTT platforms, e-mail applications, and more. However, remembering passwords, especially when users create over a hundred accounts, is not easy. What’s more, the data is often vulnerable to malicious attacks. That’s where one should consider using 1Password, a private, secure, and user-friendly password management software. Here are the features customers or businesses get with 1Password. Clipboard management Users often copy a password to the clipboard and forget about it, leaving the system vulnerable to others who can access their data with a simple “copy” and “paste.” With Clipboard management, the software can be programmed to remove passwords from a clipboard automatically. Deleting sensitive information from the clipboard also ensures that the third-party app does not store sensitive data. Auto-lock Users often forget to lock their system when they are away from their work desk, thus leaving their system vulnerable to other individuals. Here’s where 1Password can also automatically lock the device when a user is away to safeguard sensitive information. Secure remote password It is a common practice for most websites to send passwords to servers when a user attempts to sign in.
6 tips to pick the right business management software

6 tips to pick the right business management software

Running a business involves dealing with lots of data, like finance figures, employee information, and logistics details. Handling this data manually can become tedious and daunting and may even lead to errors. That’s why ventures of all sizes prefer business management software, which can help centralize information from various departments to streamline process control. For businesses that require assistance selecting a software solution, here are six tips to help with that decision. Understand the company’s requirements One must first understand the company’s requirements to find the precise software. The individual must determine what aspects of the business require software integration. These could include finance, logistics, customer relationship management (CRM), invoicing, or email marketing. One should pick software that meets all the company’s needs. Consider ease of use Some business management software solutions have a clustered interface. Such an interface could make it difficult for the business to operate because it will have to train new staff continuously to use the software. So, one must pick an option that offers top-notch features and integrates beautifully into a simple, easy-to-operate interface. Compare features One must check the features of different software before choosing. The best ones will have various features, from primary inventory management to complex accounting functions.
6 advantages of cloud-based management software

6 advantages of cloud-based management software

Workspaces are constantly evolving these days, with many organizations shifting to a remote or hybrid work environment. This change has been supported by the rise of cloud computing, such as cloud-based business management software, project management software, accounting software, and more. Cloud computing has transformed data storage and access, resulting in increased flexibility and scalability. Read on to learn more about how businesses can gain by shifting to cloud-based management software. Better access to data With many companies shifting to hybrid work styles, making data available to the employees for seamless functioning is important. Cloud-based business management software enables this shift. It allows one to access company data from any device connected to the internet by logging into the online hub. People can collaborate and work in real-time across the world without having to constantly update each other or share details personally, improving overall productivity. Additionally, this software allows businesses to put multiple authorization checks in place to limit the number of people who have access to certain sensitive data. Improved job satisfaction Cloud-based management software makes managing projects easier, reducing the administrative workload on the team. This allows employees to have greater autonomy and responsibility for their work, which helps improve productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention in the long run.