Cord Blood Banking

Cord Blood Banking

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Science & Technology

In News:

• Cord blood banking involves taking the umbilical cord blood, which is a rich source of stem cells, and preserving it for future use. 
• Stem cells are special human cells that have the ability to develop into many different cell types, from muscle cells to brain cells
• Globally, cord blood banking is recommended as a source of hematopoietic stem cell (derived from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood) transplantation for haematological cancers and disorders where its use is recommended. 
• For all other conditions, the use of cord blood as a source of stem cells is not yet established