Despite its rising popularity among urban Indian parents, stem cell banking still continues to be a subject of conspiracy. Lack of awareness has led to the perpetration of certain myths that might almost sound believable but they couldn’t be further from the truth. If you are an expecting parent and have been subjected to common myths that surround stem cell banking, allow us to tell you the truth. In this blog, we will separate fact from fiction so you can learn what stem cell banking is really all about.
Myth #1: The process of cord blood stem cell collection is not safe
This is categorically false as the entire process of cord blood stem cell collection is not extremely hygienic and safe, it is also completely pain-free! Here is how it works: once you are done registering yourself in the second or third trimester of your pregnancy, you will get a collection kit from your chosen cord blood bank. You have to carry this with you on the day of your delivery as the extracted cord blood will be stored in it. Now the said cord blood will only be extracted by a trained paramedic once the umbilical cord has been completely detached, making it safe and pain-free.
Myth #2: Stem cell banking is of no real use
The problem here is equating stem cell banking with taking a pill or thinking of it as a regular go-to treatment option for any ailment. Stem cell banking is not meant for any of those use cases. It is like life insurance, it may only come in use once but it is going to deliver immense value when it does. That is to say, stored stem cells are a life-saving treatment that are used during medical emergencies where finding a compatible donor can mean the difference between life and death.
Myth #3: Stored stem cells will lose their effectiveness as the years go by
Not if you entrust a start-of-the-art-bank with advanced cryogenic storage facilities. Such labs store collected stem cells in extremely controlled environments at very low temperatures (think: -150°C) to preserve their integrity. This process ensures cord blood-derived stem cells serve as an effective treatment option for a myriad of diseases decades after extraction.
Myth #4: Stem cell banking isn’t necessary as donors are easy to find
Assuming that donor registries will always have a compatible match available is a major problem because in real life the odds of finding the right donor is very low. If, by chance, you happen to find a donor, testing its compatibility can be a very long-drawn and cumbersome process that is conducive to emergency treatment cases. When time is of the essence, stem cell banking comes to the rescue because it is readily available and already compatible with minimal risk of Graft-vs-Host-Disease.
Myth #5: Private stem cell banking is the best
While it is true that no one else has any right to your deposited unit except you or your authorized nominees in private stem cell banking, it is still not the best option. There are two major reasons behind that. Firstly, it is extremely expensive. Secondly, it is restrictive. Let us illustrate.
Community stem cell banking, such as the one LifeCell offers in India, is less expensive and provides you with access to both your unit and a community library of other deposited units, which increases your chances of finding a perfectly compatible match when the need arises. It might be the best option.
Myth #6: Stem cell banking is too expensive
Depends on the type of cord blood banking you go for. Public stem cell banking is free of cost, albeit it counts as a denotation for public use. Private stem cell banking is no doubt very expensive. But community cord blood banking strikes the perfect cost-to-value balance, making it an investment in your family’s health and future, just like any other. Plus, more than 80 diseases can be treated with cord blood stem cells with many more to be added to the list in the future.
Myth #7: The benefits of stem cell banking are only restricted to the baby
No, actually your whole family can reap the benefits of stem cell banking. Immediate family members of the baby, including siblings, parents, and even grandparents can be nominated for stored cord blood stem cell use when the need arises. Many banks offer family coverage plans, making stem cell banking a viable safeguard that protects family members and improves their preparedness to tackle critical medical emergencies.
Conclusion
Myths about cord blood banking might abound but knowing the truth behind them can help you ascertain its real value. And when you have the full picture on anything, you are better equipped to make the right decision. We are sure you will choose what is best for you, your baby, and your family instead of falling prey to myths.
