The umbilical cord is commonly known as the birth cord or the funiculus umbilicalis. This cord connects the developing embryo to the placenta. It is the umbilical cord, which supplies oxygen, nutrient rich blood to the fetus from the placenta. The cord is generally 50 cms long and 2 cms in diameter. This cord is a very special cord because of its importance. This umbilical cord directly connects the central circulation. The blood in the umbilical cord is known as cord blood and it is the source of undifferentiated stem cells. This blood contains CD-34 positive and CD38 negative. This blood is mainly used for bone marrow transplant. Recent researches have proved that the umbilical blood, which is generally thrown away, is very important for the child. Hence, scientists and doctors are encouraging parents to donate and preserve the umbilical cord blood. The importance of the umbilical cord blood has been discovered recently. Its specialty lies in the stem cells. The umbilical blood cord is rich in stem cells. The umbilical blood cord can save people from diseases like Cancer, Aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia, lymphoma, leukemia. It mainly helps people who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Hence, the donation of the umbilical cord blood is very important. The umbilical cord blood needs to be collected within 10 minutes after birth. Once the blood is collected it is then stored in various banks. The donation of the Umbilical blood gives immense joy to the parent as it saves lots of lives. The umbilical cord blood is generally thrown away after birth and the blood is wasted. But recent researches have shown the importance of this blood. Hence, this blood is collected and preserved for future use. The donation of such blood should be encouraged by one and all. The blood is then tested and if it passes all tests, the blood is preserved for future use. Parents need to take the decision to store the umbilical blood before birth. Once they decide to donate the umbilical blood, they have to inform the blood bank. The health care centers make the complete arrangement to collect the blood. The donated blood can be used for the child or it may be used for others who are suffering from diseases. The decision to keep the blood or use it for others completely depends on the parent. Recent experiments have shown that the blood may be kept for 15 years or more. The idea is very new. Hence, doctors have not got the time to check if it can be preserved for some more time or not. The health centers cater parent with a collection kit. A form needs to be filled out before the donation of the blood. The form proves the complete consent of the parent in the donation of the blood. The rules and regulations needs to be studied well before the donation of the umbilical cord blood. There are two types of banks which preserves the cord blood. They are mainly, private and public.
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