Cord blood transplantation is an exciting area of research and a major focus of study in both pediatric and adult settings.  When a baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, and the placenta is discarded.  Recently, it has been discovered that the blood inside the umbilical cord is rich in stem cells.  The stem cells can be removed from the cord and frozen to use in transplantation.
Collecting, storing, testing and transplanting cord blood requires the expertise of highly qualified physicians.  In searching for a match, a tiny DNA sample from the blood cord is tested to verify a DNA match with the recipient. If the DNA matches, this is used as a source for transplantation.