The recent trend in science has attracted a lot of attention to stem cell preservation, especially in the preservation of the umbilical cord blood of newborn children. Stem cell preservation is defined as the extraction, processing, and storing of stem cells for future use in potential medicine. It has many advantages not only for the child but for the entire family as well. Stem cell banking now become an integral part of the healthcare plan for would-be parents in India.
What Does Stem Cell Preservation Mean?
Stem cell preservation in India means the extraction and storage of stem cell-rich blood (usually umbilical) and is considered a great source of stem cells that can differentiate into different types of cells for treating over 80 life-threatening diseases. This preserved source of stem cells has great potential use in various future treatments for several blood or cancer-related conditions, immune disorders, or genetic diseases.
Stem Cell Preservation in India
Stem cell preservation is gaining recognition among parents in India who would like to ensure better future health care for their children. After giving birth in this setup, the stem cells are collected and frozen within a few hours, usually at birth, in many hospitals and private clinics. The ever-growing interest of parents in stem cell preservation in India is usually due to the importance of stem cells in treating some threatening diseases and for long-term health benefits.
Dr. Rachna, an acclaimed gynaecologist in Drlhi, emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making regarding stem cell preservation at Manasvi Healthcare. For mothers-to-be, understanding what stem cell preservation could mean to them in terms of long-term benefits to the health of their families could probably help them in making the right decision.
How are Stem Cells Preserved?
The process of stem cell preservation begins with the collection of cord blood immediately after birth. This method is non-invasive and has no risk for the mother or the baby. The cord blood is then sent to a certified stem cell banking facility, where it is processed and cryopreserved. The stem cells are stored in liquid nitrogen at about -196°C, ensuring that they can be kept for many years. These preserved stem cells can be used in future treatment for the baby or other family members in need.
Must-Know Benefits of Stem Cell Preservation
Stem cells may prove crucial to your child, your family, and most likely future generations. Here are the top stem cell preservation benefits to be aware of:
1. Save Lives
This is the primary reason that stem cell preservation offers hope to families. With the preservation of stem cells, treatment can be provided for deadly diseases such as blood disorders, cancers, immune system diseases, and genetic disorders. Stem cells rebuild the immune system after chemotherapy or serve as an alternative to bone marrow transplantations.
2. Ideal Match for Your Baby
Baby umbilical cord stem cells are genetically unique to a baby. Hence this stem cell becomes a perfect match for your child. Your child’s stem cells will always be perfect for him in treatment purposes when one is required; this comes at an advantage over other sources of stem cells such as bone marrow.
3. Sibling/Family Use
Stored stem cells would prove useful for family members as well. There would be a 25% probability of matching with a sibling with the stored stem cells. Partial match possibilities may also be available; hence stem cell preservation becomes a significant resource for the whole family.
4. Promising Future Uses
Stem cell research is fast-tracked hence every day new possibilities are being established. There are trials based on vast medical conditions, from cerebral palsy to autism or to stroke, diabetes, muscle repair, and arthritis. The future holds promises for stem cell therapies, and hence stem cell banking can be well termed an investment towards the future medical health of the family.
5. Higher Therapeutic Prospect
Stem cells from umbilical cord blood are much younger and more active than those from other repositories, such as bone marrow. It means that they have a much higher capacity to differentiate into a variety of cells that are critical for healing and repairing. Furthermore, these are less likely to form immunological rejection when transplanted, which makes them a much safer option for transplantation.
6. Prolong Storage
Stem cells can be stored for several decades and often have evidence that they remain viable after over two decades of cryopreservation. Thus, the stem cells stored at birth could someday be used to treat your child’s health conditions or even be inherited by future generations. Local or International
7. Multiple Storage Options
Parents may store their baby’s stem cells either within the country or abroad. Moving from one country makes it possible to relocate the already frozen stem cells. The consideration now shifts to preservation costs and relocation charges when one opts for international storage.
What is the Stem Cell Preservation Cost in India?
The stem cell preservation cost is a big factor for many families. The costs usually involve processing fees, storage fees, and annual maintenance fees. The approximate stem cell preservation costs in India will differ with the company and be charged according to how long it will be stored.
An average private storage cost in the first year spans anywhere between ₹30,000 and ₹50,000, with annual maintenance fees subsequently added. While the stem cell preservation cost in India might sound heavy, a lot of parents are ready to bear the costs in exchange for peace of mind with the possibility of saving their child’s life.
In short, stem cell can save lives ensure your baby’s healthy future and even treat a vast number of life-threatening conditions. Whether choosing a public or private incubator for stem cell storage, the process of keeping the cells is precautionary for your family’s health.
If you are looking for expert stem cell banking services, head to Manasvi Healthcare headed by Dr. Rachna, a proficient gynaecologist with 18 years of experience in female reproductive health, pregnancy, complications of labor, PCOS etx.. Simply get access to her services as a trusted obs and gyne near me in Delhi for expert advice and recommendations on making good choices for the health of your family. Contact her for consultations now.
