Cord Blood vs Cord Tissue: Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most cherished moments, filled with excitement, hope, and dreams for the future. Alongside the joy, modern parents face important decisions that could impact their child’s health for years to come. One such decision revolves around a remarkable medical opportunity available at birth, storing cord blood and cord tissue. Both are rich sources of stem cells, capable of treating serious illnesses and potentially aiding in future regenerative therapies. Yet, many parents are unsure about the difference between the two and how this choice could one day save a life.
It is important to know why the decision of the essentials of cord blood and cord tissue banking is more than just a medical option—it’s an investment in your child’s future health. From understanding the distinct types of stem cells each contains, to exploring their current and emerging uses in treating life-threatening diseases, here’s everything you need to know. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Sandeep Abhijit Pattnaik, Consultant – Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, shares everything the parents should know about cord blood and cord tissue.
What Is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the blood that remains in both the umbilical cord and placenta following the birth process. It contains HSCs or hematopoietic stem cells that hold the potential of differentiating into multiple types of blood cells.
The stem cells derived from cord blood are already being applied therapeutically to manage more than 80 critical conditions, such as:
Leukemia
Thalassemia
Sickle Cell Anaemia
Some immune disorders
This method of obtaining stem cells is extensively validated and is accepted for medical use as a source of stem cells for transfusion-based therapies.
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What Is Cord Tissue?
The cord tissue refers to the actual parts of the umbilical cord, specifically Wharton’s Jelly. It is composed of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which are able to regenerate and repair:
Bone
Cartilage
Muscle
Nervous system tissues
Cord Blood vs Cord Tissue (Image Credits: Canva)
Current And Future Applications Of Cord Tissue Use:
Although MSCs are still under investigation, there is a sizable opportunity for their application in the treatment of:
Spinal cord injuries
Osteoarthritis
Heart disease
Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s
Is It Possible To Store Both?
Certainly. Dr Sandeep Abhijit Pattnaik states, “A growing number of parents now opt to store both cord blood and cord tissue, thereby potentially broadening the scope of treatment options available in the future.” While cord blood is in use, the need for cord tissue is anticipated to enhance more advanced regenerative techniques in the subsequent years.
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Why Is This Decision Important?
This is not just a medical decision it now serves as a preventive measure for potential future health complications your child might develop. Consider it a sort of biological insurance policy. You may never utilise it, but when the time comes, it could be invaluable.
It’s always better to:
Talk to your OB or your child’s doctor.
Look for a licensed stem cell bank.
Learn about the advantages and drawbacks.
As science advances, stem cell therapy continues to grow in its scope and success. By understanding the difference between cord blood and cord tissue, new parents can make an informed choice for their child’s long-term well-being.
Because sometimes, a small decision at birth can secure a healthier tomorrow.