By Robin Hammond

Cord blood and tissue banking has significantly increased in the past few years, with 2.6% of parents using private banks and over a thousand transplants from public banks. Some benefits are concrete, and others speculative. The stem cells collected can be used to treat several diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, and some immune system disorders. Currently, there are over 200 registered clinical trials currently underway around the world investigating the role that stem cells may play in the various systems of the human body, including Macular Degeneration and Cerebral Palsy.

The standards for public and private banks vary like night and day. As with many emergent technologies, the regulation of private banks has been slow. Currently, private banks only need to provide the FDA with their business name and address to be FDA registered. In contrast, public banks are licensed by the FDA and are responsible for adhering to strict quality standards including documentation on processing, storage and sterility, and site inspection. Additionally, public banks are coordinated by Be The Match^®, which works with doctors and researchers to improve cord blood transplantation and education as mandated by the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 and Reauthorization Act of 2010. Continue reading →