Specially approved by the Texas legislature and unique in the state, the Texas Cord Blood Bank (TCBB) is a source of ethnically diverse, life-saving umbilical cord blood.
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta after a baby is born. In the past, this blood was discarded. However, cord blood is rich in blood-making cells which can be used to treat patients with certain cancers and fatal blood disorders.
TCBB seeks to develop a program that results in the highest quality units that exceed national and international standards. Since immune types are specific to ethnic groups, TCBB is strategically located to collect cord blood units that reflect the rich ethnic diversity of Texas.
Benefits of Cord Blood:
- There is no risk to the donor.
- There are fewer immune complications.
- This program is not controversial and has the support of the faith communities.
- Over 8,000 cord blood transplants have already been performed worldwide.
- Possible future uses include cardiac or neurological repair.
Today cord blood is used for:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Aplastic anemia
- Genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia
- Disorders of the immune system Disorders of the blood making system
