What Are Stem Cells? Stem cells are unique cells in our bodies that have the remarkable potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body. There are two main types of stem cells - embryonic stem cells, which are derived from human embryos, and adult stem cells, which can be found in various tissues like bone marrow, blood, and fat. Stem cells are considered so valuable for research and potential medical uses because of their unique regenerative abilities. Why Bank Stem Cells? As a person ages or if they have a serious medical condition, their adult stem cells may not be as numerous or effective as younger, healthier stem cells. Banking and storing a person's own stem cells when they are young provides stem cells that could possibly treat diseases or medical conditions later in life. These banked cells could potentially be used for future medical treatments that are not fully developed yet. Some conditions that may be treatable using a person's banked stem cells include blood disorders, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Banking stem cells provides a biological "backup plan" for one's future health. When Should You Consider Banking Cord Blood Stem Cells? Cord blood, which is normally discarded after a baby's birth, is a rich source of Stem Cell Banking and storing a newborn's cord blood stem cells at birth allows parents to preserve valuable stem cells for potential future use by their child or other family members. Experts recommend banking cord blood if a sibling or parent has had conditions like leukemia, lymphoma or other genetic diseases that could potentially be treated with cord blood stem cells in the future. Since each unit of cord blood is only statistically likely to treat a small child or adult, many experts suggest banking for a family history of certain diseases but not necessarily as a precaution for unknown future diseases. What Are The Options For Stem Cell Banking? There are two primary options for banking one's stem cells - cord blood banking and adult stem cell storage from bone marrow or blood. Cord blood banking involves collecting and storing stem cells from the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby's birth. These cells are then cryogenically frozen and stored for decades in a cord blood bank. Adult stem cell storage involves extracting some of a person's own hematopoietic stem cells, either from peripheral blood or bone marrow, then cryogenically preserving and storing the stem cells for potential future use by that individual. Both methods aim to preserve valuable stem cells when individuals are young and healthy as a precautionary measure. The Process Of Adult Stem Cell Storage If an individual decides that adult stem cell storage is right for them, here are the typical steps: - Consultation: Discuss medical history and goals for banking with a stem cell doctor. - Physical exam: Ensure good health for stem cell collection. - Stem cell collection: This is usually done through a process similar to giving blood, called apheresis, which extracts stem cells found in peripheral blood. Alternatively, stem cells can be collected from bone marrow with a minor surgical procedure. - Testing and processing: Extracted stem cells are checked for quality/viability then cryogenically frozen in liquid nitrogen. - Storage: The bank will store the stem cells for decades, with the option to pay annual storage fees. - Future use: If needed, stem cells can be thawed and used for transplant after a matching bone marrow/stem cell donation. Costs And Coverage For Stem Cell Banking The costs for stem cell storage vary depending on the type and company used, but typical expenses include: - Cord blood banking upfront processing fee: $1,000-$2,000, with $100-200 annual storage fees. - Adult stem cell storage: $1,000-1,500 for collection/processing, $100-200 annually. While upfront costs are incurred, stem cell storage offers future medical security. Some health insurances may cover part of cord blood banking costs for high-risk newborns. Out-of-pocket adult stem cell storage is generally considered an elective private service, with no insurance coverage. However, if banked cells are later needed for a medical treatment, insurance may cover part of the stem cell transplant costs. Families need to carefully review costs/coverage with their bank and insurance. Should You Bank Your Stem Cells? Stem cell banking offers a promising way to preserve one's younger, healthier stem cells. While stem cell therapies are still under research and development, banking may provide valuable cells for rare family medical conditions or future regenerative treatments not available today. Those with family histories of treatable diseases have the most compelling reasons to bank. However, the costs and longevity of stem cell storage need to be carefully weighed against limited future healthcare scenarios where banked cells could hypothetically be useful. Consulting with a stem cell doctor can help determine if banking is a beneficial precautionary healthcare investment.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
