World's Largest Newborn Stem Cell Bank Supports Institute of Medicine Report

Search Blogs that Mention this News Release
Click this link to view linked Bookmarking Services
Click this link to view linked Blogging Services
World's Largest Newborn Stem Cell Bank Supports Institute of Medicine Report
   Cord Blood Registry Cites Education as the Key to Increasing Banked Cord
                                Blood Samples

    SAN BRUNO, Calif., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Cord Blood Registry, (CBR)
supports the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation that all pregnant
patients be provided with a "balanced perspective" on all cord blood banking
options. The IOM study reflects the "coming of age" of cord blood stem cells
as a viable treatment option for children and adults in need of a stem
transplant and validates the importance of education regarding birth options.
    Newborn stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood are a non-
controversial source of stem cells collected in a painless procedure
immediately after birth. However, most expectant mothers remain unaware of
their option to save newborn stem cells for their family or to donate them to
help others. Once informed, the IOM reports that a majority of women believe
that cord blood should be collected and understand that the procedure poses
little risk to the mother or baby. The IOM study recommends providing
obstetrical patients with clear information about cord blood collection,
public donation, and family banking.
    The most important educational recommendations include:

     *    Informed consent should be provided prior to labor and delivery,
          after adequate disclosure of information.
     *    Information provided to the donor must provide a balanced
          perspective on all cord blood options.
     *    Women polled in a recent study prefer to be informed about cord
          blood collection before the third trimester and would like to
          receive cord blood information at prenatal visits.

    CBR cites education about the life-saving characteristics of cord blood as
key to increasing the number of both public and private samples. "Expectant
parents need to be aware of their option to save newborn stem cells for their
family and more importantly that genetically related stem cells offer the best
treatment option for patients," said Tom Moore, CEO of Cord Blood Registry.
"We are pleased the IOM specified the importance of education on all cord
blood options. Since parents only have one opportunity to save or donate this
valuable biological resource it is critical that they are made aware of all
their options."

    About CBR
    Cord Blood Registry is a registered trademark of Cbr Systems, Inc., is the
world's largest newborn stem cell bank. It is the leader in newborn stem cell
processing and cryopreservation for familial use in transplantation and
regenerative medicine. The stem cells preserved by CBR are collected
immediately after the birth of a newborn and are then available to be used in
treatments for the newborn, siblings, and any compatible genetic family
member. Once transplanted, the cells have the potential to repair damaged or
diseased tissues with little risk of rejection and increased long-term
survival. The company's research and development is focused on advancing the
collection, processing, and storage methods to optimize quality and cell
yield. Additionally, CBR facilitates collection of donated research samples,
available for the nearly 200 research programs worldwide that are focused on
stem cell expansion and cell-based therapies. For more information, visit
http://www.cordblood.com , or call 1-888-CORD-BLOOD.

    Media Contact:  1-800 588-6377, ext. 239 rkennen@cordblood.com
SOURCE Cbr Systems, Inc.
http://www.cordblood.com
CONTACT:
Media Contact: 1-800 588-6377, ext. 239, or
rkennen@cordblood.com