Title
Obstetricians and their role in cord blood banking: promoting a public model
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Publication Date
2013-04-01
Document Type
Article
Subjects
*Blood Banks; *Fetal Blood; Humans; Models, Theoretical; *Obstetrics; *Physician's Role; Public Sector
Disciplines
Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications | Maternal and Child Health | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Women's Health
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood, the blood remaining in the umbilical cord at birth, can be collected at birth and be a source of stem cells for a patient in need of a bone marrow transplant. Obstetricians and other health care practitioners are recognized as a patient's primary source for medical information affecting the mother and her neonate and frequently are asked to provide education and guidance regarding options of private and public cord blood banking. As the use of cord blood continues to grow in medicine and research uncovers more potential for cord blood, cord blood banking has become an important resource. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act has provided funding to expand public banking initiatives in the United States and to create a more ethnically diverse inventory of units. Private storage is not advocated unless there is an identified need in the family such that banked cord blood would offer a benefit. A recent report outlined the challenges of increasing participation and inventory, particularly among minority groups. Obstetricians and other health care practitioners should have a primary role in efforts to increase awareness of umbilical cord blood donation and be involved in initiatives to expand current public banking activities.
DOI of Published Version
10.1097/AOG.0b013e31828882aa
Source
Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Apr;121(4):851-5. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31828882aa. Link to article on publisher's site
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Obstetrics and gynecology
Related Resources
PubMed ID
23635686
Repository Citation
Herlihy, Mary and Delpapa, Ellen, "Obstetricians and their role in cord blood banking: promoting a public model" (2013). Obstetrics and Gynecology Publications and Presentations. 119.
https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/obgyn_pp/119
