Umbilical cord blood is potentially an important source of stem cells, which could be extremely useful in the event of some diseases. So cord banks have been collecting and storing the blood for those who can afford it. But now the practice has moved into the realm of gifting, and the savings bond market will never be the same. CNN reports:
It may not be your average Christmas present or gift for a newborn baby, but a British-based company says grandparents looking for a gift with a twist are increasingly investing in stem cells for their grandchildren…
…An obstetrician or midwife extracts the 60ml blood sample immediately after birth using a a kit, worth £125 ($220), supplied by the company. It is then sent to the company’s lab in Plymouth, southern England, via courier.
Smart Cells International began five years ago and now has about 5,000 customers.
The company director goes on to note that the stem cells have only been used once (two weeks ago, with results pending). But he urges his customers to think of umbilical cord stem cells as an insurance policy, for future applications or needs.
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