With the potential for self-renewal and differentiation, the possibilities for stem cells are enormous. One specific type of stem cell, the hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC), which is derived from umbilical cord blood (as well as adult bone marrow and mobilized peripheral blood), holds particular promise. To make the most of these HPCs, the Institute of Medicine was asked to consider the optimal structure for a national cord blood program and to address pertinent issues related to maximizing the potential of stem cell technology. Cord Blood: Establishing a National Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank Program examines: The role of cord blood in stem cell transplantationThe current status of blood banks already in existenceThe optimal structure for the cord blood programThe current use and utility of cord blood for stem cell transplantsThe best way to advance the use of cord blood units and make them available for research Expert advice from leaders in the fields of economics, public health, medicine, and biostatistics combine to make this very timely and topical book useful to a number of stakeholders.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Introduction2 Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation3 Research4 Umbilical Cord Blood Banks and Banking5 Ethical and Legal Issues6 Inventory of a National Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank Program7 Recommended Structure of a National ProgramAppendix A: Methods Section: Data Collection and AnalysisAppendix B: SurveyAppendix C: Survey ResultsAppendix D: Potential Nonhematopoietic Uses for Stem Cells in Cord BloodAppendix E: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Increasing Cord Blood Inventory LevelsAppendix F: HLA OverviewAppendix G: Analysis of the NYBC, NMDP, and NHLBI Cord Blood DataAppendix H: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and StaffAcronymsGlossaryIndex