The Difference Between Placental Tissue and Cord Tissue Banking
Placental tissue consists of amniotic epithelial cells, amniotic mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, and cytokines embedded within the placental membrane (amnion and chorion). Cord tissue consists of mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, and cytokines embedded within the cord lining and Wharton’s Jelly. Each of these tissues contain different types of stem cells, growth factors, and cytokines. In addition, cord tissue is much thicker than placental tissue.
These key differences play a significant role in their uses clinically. Cord-derived stem cells have been used in clinical trials researching potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, autism, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and more. The cord tissue membrane has been used in surgical applications including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and urology.
Placental-derived stem cells have been used in clinical trials researching potential treatments for autoimmune diseases, Graft vs Host disease, gynecological conditions, and more. Placental tissue membranes have been used for clinical applications such as chronic non-healing skin wounds, corneal healing, and knee osteoarthritis.
Together, researchers believe that placental tissue, cord tissue, and cord blood collectively could unlock the full potential of regenerative medicine. Many expecting families choose to preserve all three to ensure the greatest chance of treatment options for their families today, tomorrow, and in the years ahead.
Americord CryoMaxx™ Placental Tissue Processing
Americord's proprietary CryoMaxx™ processing method uses minimal manipulation to isolate amnion and chorion layers of the placental tissue to keep their inherent multipotent cells, growth factors, and cytokines through cryopreservation.
Questions About Placental Tissue
Placental tissue stem cells, derived from the placenta, have gained significant attention in the field of regenerative medicine due to their remarkable versatility and therapeutic potential. They are being studied for use in wound healing, tissue repair, treating eye conditions, and more.
Americord’s unique proprietary CryoMaxx™ processing method uses a minimal manipulation method to isolate the amnion and chorion layers of the placental tissue and retain their inherent multipotent cells, growth factors, and cytokines.
The amnion and chorion are cryopreserved and stored in multiple vials, ensuring the potential for multiple uses.
Placental tissue is FDA-approved for surgical use and has done so successfully for over 100 years. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments outside of the surgical space. However, there are currently over 50 active and recruiting studies using placental tissue to treat medical conditions.
Cord tissue and placental tissue are both rich sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but they have different application uses. Cord tissue is used for surgical applications inside the body (ex: tendon repair, cartilage repair, or orthopedic surgery). Placenta tissue used for topical applications (ex: wound healing, treating eye conditions, ulcers). Having access to both provides your family with more healing potential in the future.
Your baby's placental tissue holds the potential to benefit both immediate family members, such as parents and siblings, as well as second-degree family members, like grandparents. This means that not only can it provide essential support to your closest loved ones but also offer a valuable resource for relatives beyond your immediate family circle.
Most hospitals in the U.S. dispose of the placenta after birth, as it is considered medical waste. If you plan to bank your placental tissue or transport it home for future use, make those desires known during your prenatal visits and to your delivery care team prior to birth.