Navlestrengsblod

Navlestrengsblod, also known as cord blood, is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. It is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which are capable of developing into all types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These stem cells are less mature than those found in adult bone marrow, making them more adaptable and less likely to be rejected by a recipient's immune system.

Historically, navlestrengsblod was discarded as medical waste. However, its therapeutic potential was recognized, and it is now collected for stem cell transplantation. These transplants are used to treat a range of serious diseases, particularly blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, as well as certain genetic disorders and immune deficiencies.

There are two main ways navlestrengsblod is collected and stored. Public cord blood banks accept donations from parents who wish to contribute to a shared registry. This blood is available to any patient in need, offering a chance for life-saving treatment. Alternatively, private cord blood banks allow parents to store their baby's cord blood for potential future use by their child or a family member. This option comes with storage fees.

The collection process is simple and occurs immediately after the birth of the baby. A healthcare professional collects the blood from the clamped umbilical cord, and it is then processed and cryopreserved for long-term storage. The retrieval and use of stored navlestrengsblod are subject to strict medical protocols to ensure efficacy and safety. Research continues to explore new applications for cord blood stem cells in regenerative medicine.