A survey by the National Marrow Donor Program found that obstetricians are familiar with the use of donated cord blood in transplantation, according to results published in the journal Transfusion. However, 49% of surveyed obstetricians suggested that they did not feel they had sufficient information to answer patient questions about the procedure. Umbilical cord blood transplants (UCBT), an experimental treatment since 1989, is now an accepted therapy for allogeneic transplant. Further education could open more doors in potential therapeutic uses of umbilical cord blood transplants.
Reference
Walker T, Steckler D, Spellman S, Haven D, Welte K, Boo M. Awareness and acceptance of public cord blood banking among practicing obstetricians in the United States. Transfusion 2012;52: 787-93.
