The CBS ended his goal blood banking program of national donor cord of Canada to opened earlier this year. The first program launched at a hospital in Ottawa, with commitments to extend to three other cities across the country by mid-2014.
CBS has confirmed that one of these locations will be in Edmonton to Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Lois Hole Hospital, part of the campus of the Royal Alexandra Hospital, is one of four sites that actively collect samples of cord blood family beginning early next year.
Dr. Graham Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services, said cell cord blood stem are becoming the preferred alternative to stem cells from bone marrow.
"They can grow to be red blood cells or platelets or white blood cells. They are the ideal cells to replace cells damaged in diseases like leukemia."
According to CBS, as much as 1,000 Canadians waiting for a transplant of stem cells derived viable cord blood or yearly bone marrow. However, up to 50 percent of patients waiting are unable to find a viable genetic match.
Until the launch of the national bank of cord blood, families dependent given cord blood banks relied on international donors to find appropriate matches. Families who have given birth can also rely on bank programs cord blood family, making the cells cord blood stem cornering available for medical treatment, should the need arise.