Debunking the Myths of Cord Blood Banking

Experts at CryoCord Malaysia separate fact from fiction when it comes to cord blood banking.

Imagine a world where a small vial of blood unlocks life-saving treatments and medical breakthroughs. Cord blood banking is revolutionary. However, despite its enormous potential, myths and misconceptions often surround it. Our experts at CryoCord Malaysia debunk the top 8 myths to help you make informed decisions about this cutting-edge medical innovation. Prepare to have your preconceptions shattered and your curiosity piqued as we explore the fascinating world of cord blood banking.

Myth 1: Cord blood banking only benefits families with a history of genetic diseases.

Fact: Cord blood banking benefits all families, regardless of medical history. Also, not all blood-related diseases are inherited genetically. Cord blood stem cells can treat 80 different diseases, such as leukaemia, lymphoma sickle cell anaemia, and blood-related disorders. It could be used in regenerative medicine in the future.

Myth 2: Both public and private cord blood banks are the same.

Fact: Public and private cord blood banks have distinct advantages. There is no cost to donate your baby’s cord blood to a public cord blood bank, and the donated cord blood is available to any patient in need of a transplant. However, there is no guarantee of compatibility in public cord blood banking. CryoCord Malaysia, a private cord blood bank, guarantees family compatibility. It also has the highest standards for cord blood and stem cell cryopreservation. Individual circumstances and preferences will influence the decision whether to bank the cord blood in a public or private facility.

Myth 3: Cord blood is perishable.

Fact: Cord blood that is stored under -190 °C can last a lifetime, theoretically speaking. In reality, cord blood banking has only been around for less than 30 years, so, only time will tell. CryoCord has been in operation for over 20 years, and the cord blood they stored during that time period has been successfully used for transplants.

Myth 4: Cord blood banking is expensive and unnecessary.

Fact: Cord blood banking is not costly, it is an investment in your family’s health. Many individuals choose to store cord blood because the cells within it are a precise match for their baby and can potentially be used to save their life in the event of a serious health condition, such as blood related cancers and immune system disorder. Not only can these cells be utilised for the child’s benefit, but they also have the potential to aid other family members who share similar biological traits and require stem cell treatments.

Myth 5: Cord blood banking cures all diseases.

Fact: Although cord blood is a valuable source of stem cells, its use as a treatment is dependent on the disease, the patient’s condition, and medical advances. Rich in hematopoietic stem cells, cord blood is instrumental in generating blood cells and supporting the immune system. These stem cells have been successfully used in treating a range of serious medical conditions, including various types of cancers (leukaemia, lymphoma), genetic disorders (thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia), and immune system disorders.

However, not all diseases can be treated with cord blood stem cells. Its applications are being expanded through research and clinical trials.

Myth 6: Cord blood collection hurts and risks the mother and baby.

Fact: Cord blood collection is a painless and secure process for both the mother and the child. Following childbirth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The non-invasive collection method does not disrupt the birthing process.

Myth 7: Cord blood banking only benefits the parents-to-be

Fact: Cord blood banking also benefits family members. Even if a family does not plan to have more children, stored cord blood can be used by siblings or extended family members who may require stem cell treatments for various medical conditions. Cord blood can also be donated to a public cord blood bank, serving as invaluable contributions to the medical community at large. As a result, cord blood banking has the potential to save lives by providing viable matches to patients in need of stem cell transplants, both within the family and the public.

Myth 8: Cord blood banking is complicated and time-consuming.

Fact: Cord blood banking is a simple and quick process. A medical professional collects the sample in a matter of minutes. The cord blood bank simplifies the paperwork and logistics for families. This makes make cord blood banking accessible, seamless, and a well-informed choice for all parties involved.

Making an Informed Decision

When it comes to cord blood banking, it is critical to distinguish between fact and fiction. Dispelling the myths surrounding this practice allows families to make informed decisions based on accurate information.

Banking cord blood in a private facility such as CryoCord Malaysia equips families with a readily available source of compatible stem cells, potentially offering lifesaving treatment options for many diseases and medical conditions. Cord blood stem cells are continuously being explored in cutting-edge research for their potential to regenerate damaged tissues and treat degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The future possibilities of these stem cells are exciting, positioning them as tools in the realm of regenerative medicine.

Stem cells derived from cord blood hold the potential for generating personalised therapies. As medical science advances, the ability to harness these cells to create treatments tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup becomes increasingly feasible. Understanding cord blood banking allows families to get the most out of it for their loved ones.

Take a Life-saving Action Today

If you are looking for a viable option for cord blood banking, look no further than CryoCord Malaysia, the multi-award winning premier and leading stem cell bank in Malaysia. Going strong for more than 20 years, it is renowned for the highest quality standards in the cryopreservation of cord blood and human stem cells. CryoCord Malaysia has experienced remarkable growth since its establishment, with a substantial increase in staff from 12 to over 200 employees. They have successfully served more than 60,000 families across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.  The company initially began with just one class 100 cleanroom for cord blood and stem cell processing and storage.

Over the years, CryoCord Malaysia has expanded its capabilities and now operates ten cleanrooms for culturing various cells, including Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in 10 cleanrooms. Located in the impressive Bio-X Centre in Cyberjaya, their current facility provides comprehensive processing and storage services for MSCs derived from umbilical cords, bone marrow, dental pulp, and adipose tissue.  To date, CryoCord’s reach extends to Indonesia where they have established a fully operational laboratory to further expand their services.

CryoCord Malaysia is the Diamond Award winner of the BabyTalk MamaPapa Reader’s Choice 2023 as the Best Stem Cell Bank and Cord Blood Storage in the country.

Reach out to the friendly customer service team at CryoCord Malaysia today by calling their 24-hour hotline at 1800 88 3300 or visit their website at www.cryocord.com.my for more information.