What is Cord Tissue?
Cord tissue, found in the umbilical cord, is rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are known for their ability to repair tissue and reduce inflammation. This is different from cord blood, which contains stem cells used mainly for blood-related conditions.
A key part of cord tissue is Wharton’s Jelly, a protective, jelly-like substance surrounding the cord's blood vessels. Wharton’s Jelly is abundant in MSCs, making it a valuable source for regenerative therapies. By banking both cord blood and cord tissue, families can access a wider range of potential future treatments.
What Is Cord Tissue Banking?
Cord tissue banking is the process of collecting and preserving the tissue from the umbilical cord after a baby's birth. This tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have the potential to repair and regenerate tissues, reduce inflammation, and support healing in various parts of the body. By preserving these cells, families can access innovative therapies that may treat future medical conditions, such as joint injuries, autoimmune disorders, and other degenerative diseases.
Cord tissue banking is especially valuable for families looking to secure potential treatment options for the future. Unlike traditional stem cell sources like bone marrow, cord tissue cells are collected at birth when they are most potent and versatile. Once banked, these cells can be stored for decades, remaining viable for potential use whenever needed. This means that families have access to these regenerative cells well into their child's adulthood.
The process is safe, painless, and quick, causing no harm to the baby or mother. Cord tissue banking is an investment in the future health of your family, offering peace of mind knowing that these unique cells are preserved for possible medical advancements and emerging therapies.
What Is Cord Tissue Used for?
Cord tissue is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have unique healing properties that make them valuable for regenerative medicine. These cells are known to help repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of muscles, cartilage, and nerves. Unlike cord blood, which contains hematopoietic stem cells primarily used for blood-related disorders like leukemia, the MSCs found in cord tissue are more versatile for tissue repair and regenerative therapies.
By banking cord tissue, families can access treatments that may not be possible with cord blood alone. This provides a broader range of options for potential future therapies, especially in areas like orthopedic injuries, autoimmune conditions, and neurological damage. To learn more about the potential of stem cells and various cord blood uses, explore how these regenerative resources can impact emerging medical treatments.
The Potential
These cord tissue stem cells are called mesenchymal stem cells or MSC’s. Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to evolve into many types of cells, including organ, muscle, skin, bone, cartilage, and fat cells.
How Is Cord Tissue Collected?
The collection of cord tissue is a simple, safe, and painless process performed immediately after the birth of your baby. Once the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, your healthcare provider collects a segment of the cord tissue. This procedure is done after the delivery, so it does not interfere with the birthing process or pose any risk to you or your baby. The collected cord tissue is then carefully packaged and sent to a specialized laboratory for processing.
In the lab, the tissue is prepared, tested, and cryogenically preserved to ensure that the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remain viable for long-term storage and the potential use years or even decades later. By banking cord tissue, you secure a valuable resource that could be used for emerging therapies in regenerative medicine.
Why Should You Consider Cord Tissue Banking?
Banking both cord blood and cord tissue offers families the most comprehensive set of options for future medical treatments. While cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which are highly effective for treating blood disorders like leukemia and immune system conditions, cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are ideal for tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and regenerative therapies. This means that by storing both, families have access to treatments that address a wider range of conditions—both blood-related and those affecting tissues, joints, and nerves.
Cord tissue banking is especially valuable in the rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine, where MSCs are being studied for their potential to treat injuries, autoimmune diseases, and even conditions like diabetes and neurological damage. By banking these cells at birth, you preserve their maximum potency for potential future use. Given the distinct benefits of each type of stem cell, choosing to bank both cord blood and cord tissue is an investment in long-term health and peace of mind, ensuring you are prepared for the advances of tomorrow’s medical breakthroughs. Learn more about the science behind these therapies here.
Ready To Store?
For nearly two decades, AlphaCord has worked with hundreds of thousands of families to preserve their newborn’s valuable stem cells through cord blood and tissue banking. You only have one chance to save your baby’s cord blood, cord tissue, and placenta tissue. Join the family. More expecting parents choose AlphaCord everyday.
Preserve today to ensure a safer tomorrow
You only get one chance to preserve your newborn’s stem cells and give your family access to the most innovative and cutting-edge science. Protect your family’s future by preserving today. All the AlphaMoms are doing it. Join the family. Learn why every day, more expecting parents choose AlphaCord.
