Stem Cells and their Applications

Abstract

Stem cells have a unique ability to develop into specialized cell types in a body that can be used to replace cells and tissues. They are classified according to their sources and potency. Stem cell therapies play an important role in cell transplantation biology. There are 3 basic types of transplants. These are called autologous, allogeneic, and syngeneic. Stem cells treatment is used in treating burned wounds, skin replacement, brain cells transplantation, diabetes and spinal cord injury. For stem cell banking, there are 5 processes – enrolment, collection, transportation, testing and processing, and cryopreservation. Nurses can be the most important part in the entire machinery that deals with stem cell banking, may it be collecting cord blood or assisting doctors in stem cell infusion procedures. Aware of every step of the stem cell collection process, from understanding that the source of blood is venous to following strict protocol when collecting umbilical cord blood into special closed collection kits provided by private and public blood banks. The blood collected should be checked and post operative care should be done to prevent for complications.