Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Isolation and Cryopreservation of Highly Viable Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From Whole Blood: A Guide for Beginners
Published on: October 25, 2024
Cord blood banking: a historical perspective.
Cristina Navarrete1, Marcela Contreras
1NHS-Cord Blood Bank, NHSBT, London, UK. cristina.navarrete@nbs.nhs.uk
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) banking has evolved significantly, with over 300,000 units stored globally. This review details the historical development of UCB collection, banking, and release procedures, emphasizing their impact on transplant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a rich source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
- UCB transplantation is a vital alternative for patients with hematological malignancies, bone marrow failures, and inherited metabolic disorders.
Observation:
- Over 300,000 cord blood units (CBUs) are cryopreserved worldwide in large repositories.
- Stringent quality control measures are applied to ensure the safety and efficacy of banked CBUs.
- The evolution of cord blood banking policies is closely linked to clinical transplantation outcomes.
Findings:
- This review provides a historical overview of cord blood banking practices.
- Key aspects of UCB collection, banking, and release influencing clinical outcomes are highlighted.
Implications:
- Understanding the historical development of cord blood banking is crucial for optimizing current practices.
- The review informs future strategies for enhancing the efficacy and accessibility of UCB transplantation.
- Advances in cord blood banking contribute to improved patient care for various life-threatening conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
Hematopoiesis
Overview of Hematopoiesis
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

