SAN BRUNO, Calif., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Cord Blood Registry, (CBR) supports the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation that all pregnant patients be provided with a “balanced perspective” on all cord blood banking options. The IOM study reflects the “coming of age” of cord blood stem cells as a viable treatment option for children and adults in need of a stem transplant and validates the importance of education regarding birth options.
Newborn stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood are a non- controversial source of stem cells collected in a painless procedure immediately after birth. However, most expectant mothers remain unaware of their option to save newborn stem cells for their family or to donate them to help others. Once informed, the IOM reports that a majority of women believe that cord blood should be collected and understand that the procedure poses little risk to the mother or baby. The IOM study recommends providing obstetrical patients with clear information about cord blood collection, public donation, and family banking.
The most important educational recommendations include: * Informed consent should be provided prior to labor and delivery, after adequate disclosure of information. * Information provided to the donor must provide a balanced perspective on all cord blood options. * Women polled in a recent study prefer to be informed about cord blood collection before the third trimester and would like to receive cord blood information at prenatal visits.
CBR cites education about the life-saving characteristics of cord blood as key to increasing the number of both public and private samples. “Expectant parents need to be aware of their option to save newborn stem cells for their family and more importantly that genetically related stem cells offer the best treatment option for patients,” said Tom Moore, CEO of Cord Blood Registry. “We are pleased the IOM specified the importance of education on all cord blood options. Since parents only have one opportunity to save or donate this valuable biological resource it is critical that they are made aware of all their options.”
About CBR
Cord Blood Registry is a registered trademark of Cbr Systems, Inc., is the world’s largest newborn stem cell bank. It is the leader in newborn stem cell processing and cryopreservation for familial use in transplantation and regenerative medicine. The stem cells preserved by CBR are collected immediately after the birth of a newborn and are then available to be used in treatments for the newborn, siblings, and any compatible genetic family member. Once transplanted, the cells have the potential to repair damaged or diseased tissues with little risk of rejection and increased long-term survival. The company’s research and development is focused on advancing the collection, processing, and storage methods to optimize quality and cell yield. Additionally, CBR facilitates collection of donated research samples, available for the nearly 200 research programs worldwide that are focused on stem cell expansion and cell-based therapies. For more information, visit http://www.cordblood.com/ , or call 1-888-CORD-BLOOD.
Media Contact: 1-800 588-6377, ext. 239 rkennen@cordblood.com
Cbr Systems, Inc.
CONTACT: Media Contact: 1-800 588-6377, ext. 239, orrkennen@cordblood.com
Web site: http://www.cordblood.com/