person holding silver and black hand tool

Risks & Limitations

Cord Blood Collection:

  • Genetic Limitations: If the child develops a genetic disease (e.g., leukemia), the stored cord blood may contain the same genetic mutation, making it unusable for treatment.

  • Contamination and Quality Control: There is a risk of sample contamination or damage while in storage, rendering them useless.

  • Storage Lifespan Uncertainty: cord blood stem cells remian viable and effective for 25-29 years.

  • Delayed Clamping Conflict: Standard medical practice for newborn health, such as delayed cord clamping, can significantly reduce the amount of blood collected.

Stem Cell Therapy:

  • Tumorigenesis: Stem cells, particularly pluripotent ones, have high proliferation rates, which might form tumors if they do not stop dividing.

  • Infection and Rejection: Procedures can cause site infection or systemic infection. Cells may be rejected by the immune system or fail to function.

  • Short-Term Side Effects: Common, usually temporary side effects include fever, headache, chills, nausea, and pain at the injection site.

  • Severe Adverse Events: Unapproved, unregulated treatments have led to severe illnesses, blindness (when injected near the eye), and death from organ failure.

References

Herberts, Carla A, et al. “Risk Factors in the Development of Stem Cell Therapy.” Journal of Translational Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Mar. 2011, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3070641/.

Rgadmin. “The Hidden Risks of Stem Cell Therapy: What You Need to Know before Treatment.” Experienced Cardiologist in Longwood: Dr. Wasim Ahmar at Heart Experts of Florida, 17 Dec. 2025, heartexpertsfl.com/blog/hidden-risks-of-stem-cell-therapy.

“Umbilical Cord Blood Banking.” ACOG, www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/03/umbilical-cord-blood-banking. Accessed 10 May 2026.

Waller-Wise, Renece. “Umbilical Cord Blood: Information for Childbirth Educators.” The Journal of Perinatal Education, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3209739/.