5 Most Common Myths About Cord Blood Banking

Many parents are beginning to realise the potential benefits of cord blood banking (CBB). This has become an important discussion of your birth plan. You may have heard of some common beliefs about CBB. Let’s look at the 5 most common myths about cord blood banking!

This article was last updated on 26 May 2022.

Most Common Myths About Cord Blood Banking

1. My child can only use his own cord blood for himself

There are many reported stem cell transplants using one’s own stem cells (AKA autologous stem cell transplants) internationally. These are mainly performed to treat non-genetic diseases. The biggest advantage of autologous transplant is the low risk of tissue rejection.

However, it is important to note that your baby’s precious cord blood stem cells may be used for his/her sibling (if it matches) when needed. This is known as allogeneic transplant. Currently, a cord blood transplant is now a standard treatment for many diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and thalassemia.

2. It is easy to find a bone marrow donor when the need arises

Bone marrow does contain many stem cells. However, there are 3 main advantages of cord blood stem cells compared to a bone marrow donor’s stem cells. Firstly, cord blood banking is easy and risk-free for you and your baby, while extracting stem cells from the donor’s bone marrow is invasive. Secondly, cord blood ensures an available supply of stored stem cells when needed. A bone marrow donor search is costly and time-consuming, especially during the critical period. Lastly, cord blood stem cells have a higher potential to transform into other cell types.

3. Cord blood can only treat blood disorders

Currently, there are prospective clinical trials using cord blood stem cells to treat autism. In a recent US clinical trial by Duke University, significant improvements in social communication and language expression were observed in 25 autistic children after transfusion of autologous cord blood stem cells. A similar trial is on-going in Singapore as well.

4. The chance of using the stored cord blood is small

Studies show that 1 in 217 persons may need stem cells for treatment in his/her lifetime and 1 in 3 persons may benefit from regenerative medicine therapy in the future. Currently, there are about 80 diseases that can be potentially treated via cord blood stem cell transplants including certain types of cancers, genetic diseases, and blood disorders. There are over 40,000 stem cell transplants using cord blood stem cells done globally.

5. All cord blood banks are the same

Consider your family cord blood bank carefully as they do vary in quality, experience, and technology to collect, process, and store your baby’s cord blood. It is important to choose a trusted family cord blood bank that has received international accreditations, such as the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). Also, do discuss with your doctor and research the cord bank’s proven track record of successfully transplanted patients.

Cord Blood Banking – A One-time Opportunity

The unique opportunity to collect and store your child’s cord blood and cord stem cells only comes about once in a lifetime at birth. Even though the collection procedure is straightforward, storing it with an accredited cord blood bank can have a lasting impact on your child or even other family members many years down the road.

Find out more about cord blood banking in Singapore by speaking to a professional at an accredited cord blood bank such as StemCord.

StemCord customerservice@stemcord.com | (65) 6741 2002 6 Napier Road #02-13, Singapore 258499 Facebook | YouTube

Congratulations on your pregnancy, and wishing both mum and baby the best of health! Do share this with your friends and family members who may find this guide useful. Hope you enjoy your experience in your chosen maternity hospital in Singapore!