Dear parents-to-be, are you awaiting your baby’s arrival? Longing for the endless love, joy, and laughter to share with your newborn baby soon, isn’t it? Tell us, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your tiny tot? Their health and safety, for sure! Did we guess it right? What if we tell you, there is a way to ensure a long, happy, and healthy life for your baby? Without giving much thought, your conscience will say - yes, I am ready! So here we are! Did you know our human body has various types of cells that perform different functions? Similarly, the umbilical cord contains innumerable special cells called stem cells that have the potential to save your baby and the entire family from the impact of life-threatening diseases. This may surprise you but there is a technique through which these cells can be collected, stored, and preserved for future medical uncertainties. This process is called stem cell banking.
Before we jump directly into the benefits of stem cell preservation and reasons to choose LifeCell Stem Cell Banking Plans, let us explore the term stem cells.
Introduction To Stem Cells
Do you know what stem cells are? Stem cells, derived from umbilical cord blood, have a special power to revive themselves. We mean that they can differentiate into various types of cells and perform numerous functions. E.g. blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells, bone cells, etc. No other cell in our body can produce new cell types other than them. While serving as a repair system for the body, they offer great potential in regenerative medicine and therapies.
Uses Of Stem Cells:
These cells may be able to treat serious illnesses like
Sickle cell disease
Immune system disorders
Bone marrow diseases that require a transplant
Cancers like lymphoma or leukemia & more
Types Of Stem Cells
Given the source of origination, stem cells are divided into three categories and they are:
- Pluripotent Stem Cells- These are powerful stem cells that can differentiate into any kind of cell. For example, embryonic stem cells can be seen in the initial phases of embryonic development. So, what makes these cells so valuable? Simple, they can regenerate all three basic body layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm) including germ cells.
- Tissue-specific Stem Cells- These refer to the adult stem cells, found in various tissues throughout our body. These cells can specifically help repair and renew only those tissues from which they originate. For instance, the blood-forming stem cells found in the bone marrow can produce only new blood cells and blood platelets.
- Induced pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS)- While developing from adult somatic stem cells, they behave and operate similarly to embryonic stem cells in many ways. Moreover, they are induced through genes and other factors to behave like pluripotent stem cells. Scientists use them for analyzing tissue growth and disease advancement to test new drugs and therapies.
Stem Cell Banking: An Overview
By now, you must have an idea of what stem cell banking is! It is a process that involves the collection and preservation of the newborn’s stem cells using cryo-technology. After collecting the cord blood stem cells from other blood components (with the help of centrifugation), they store these cells at extremely low temperatures, say -196 to -80°C in a regulated liquid nitrogen container.
Why Choose LifeCell’s Community Stem Cell Banking
LifeCell’s community stem cell banking offers several benefits that may not be available in public or private cord blood banks. Under this program, the stem cells are added to a community pool, which is exclusively shared among the community members. Curious to know more about it? Let us learn the advantages of storing umbilical cord blood stem cells with LifeCell.
Benefits of LifeCell's Community Stem Cell Banking
Family Coverage: It includes immediate family members of the baby including parents, siblings, and grandparents (maternal & paternal)
Protects From Various Medical Conditions: It safeguards the baby from the impact of 90+ conditions & family members from 82+ conditions
Largest Inventory: The baby and the entire family can access 75,000+ qualified cord blood units if the need for a stem cell transplant ever arises
Best Matchmaker: Offers > 97% chance of finding an Indian-origin stem cell match
Medical Insurance: Provide financial assistance up to INR 20 lakhs for every stem cell transplantation
What Are The Packages And The Total Cost Involved?
Location, facility, collection and processing expenses, and annual storage fees of the company- all these factors determine the overall cost of stem cell banking. Having said that, LifeCell provides a variety of price options, including annual, 21-year, and 75-year storage plans. You can choose any of their plans, depending on how long you want to store your baby’s stem cells. Furthermore, they offer convenient and economical EMI payment alternatives for your convenience. Curious to know more about their BabyCord or community stem cell baking plan? Then, log onto www.lifecell.in/ or you may reach out to us at 18002665533.
Let us have a glance at BabyCord’s Plan:
The Final Note
If you want to preserve your newborn's precious cord blood stem cells at the time of birth, then scroll over some links before you finalize the stem cell bank. There are many factors to consider before selecting a reliable stem cell banking plan. It is important to ensure that the bank has the necessary accreditations, licensing requirements, adequate transit, and appropriate safety standards. Did you know LifeCell is AABB, NABL, and CAP-accredited? Also, its manufacturing facilities are authorized by DCGI and AATB accredited, ensuring the highest quality & safety standards.
We hope this blog has given you enough information on stem cell banking.
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