One of the best ways to treat blood diseases is using stems cells, since the method has a success rate of 70 percent, said Dr. Morteza Zarrabi, head of Royan Stem Cell Technology institute.
Umbilical blood is a valuable source of hematopoietic stem cells which can be used for treatment of many malignant diseases such as leukemia. So far hundreds of transplants have been performed using stem cells from such blood, which is easy and risk free.
The use of such cells reduces the risk of viral diseases transmission and incidence of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). The ability to perform organ transplants is among the benefits of umbilical cord blood transfusion.
Storage Banks
Storage of stem cells is a valuable investment, Dr. Zarrabi stressed. “We have two types: public and private banks for stem cell storage. The former does not charge a fee for storage. But in the latter, the cost of collection and genetic testing is about $ 645 and the annual charge for storage is $ 33,” he said, according to ISNA.
Umbilical cord blood is taken immediately after delivery and does not interfere with the labor process. Blood collection in the form of ‘intrauterine process’ is considered safe.
Samples stored in public bank have been donated by families and can be used for patients with genetic disabilities.
In private banks samples are stored just for the donor family and therefore a fee is charged.
