CBR blood refers to blood stored by Cord Blood Registry (CBR), which is a private company specializing in the collection and long-term storage of umbilical cord blood and cord tissue after a baby is born.
Here's a breakdown:
- Cord Blood Registry (CBR): CBR is a private cord blood bank. These banks offer services to parents who wish to store their newborn's cord blood for potential future medical use.
- Cord Blood: Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. This blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which are similar to those found in bone marrow. These stem cells can be used to treat certain blood cancers, genetic diseases, and immune disorders.
- The "CBR blood" concept: Parents who choose to bank their baby's cord blood with CBR are essentially storing a source of stem cells that could potentially be used for transplantation or regenerative medicine purposes for the child or a family member (with a suitable match).
Key takeaways about cord blood banking (including with CBR):
- Stem Cell Source: Cord blood is a valuable source of hematopoietic stem cells.
- Potential Uses: These stem cells can be used in transplants to treat a variety of diseases.
- Private vs. Public Banking: CBR is a private bank. Parents pay a fee for collection and storage. Public cord blood banks accept donations of cord blood, making it available for anyone in need of a transplant.
- Not a Guarantee: Storing cord blood is not a guarantee of future treatment. The stem cells may or may not be a match for a family member and may not be suitable for all conditions.
In summary, "CBR blood" is simply cord blood that has been collected and stored by Cord Blood Registry for potential future medical use.
