What is cord blood, you may ask? It’s the blood that remains in your baby’s umbilical cord after birth. This special kind of blood is rich in stem cells that can regenerate and rebuild your child’s red blood cells, white blood cells, and other types of immune system cells called neutrophils. Cord blood has a lot of advantages over other forms of stem cell storage because it’s easier to get, cheaper, and risk-free for the mother or newborn. However, there are several cord blood banks to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. If you are considering a private cord blood bank for your child, here is some useful information about these services so you can make an informed decision.
What to Look for When Choosing a Cord Blood Bank
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a cord blood bank, including the following: -The company’s accreditation: The unit should be accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), and they should have a copy of the certificate on their website. This is an important assurance of quality and safety since accredited labs abide by a specific and rigorous set of standards. -The company’s experience: A reputable cord blood bank should have been in business for at least five years and have a proven track record of successful and happy clients. -The company’s facility and equipment: The company should have a licensed and certified facility, and their equipment should be certified by the FDA. You can see the certification documents online on their website. You should also ask for a tour of their facility to see the equipment for yourself. -The company’s reputation: Reputable cord blood banks should be transparent with their clients and should have a good reputation among parents, health specialists, and the media.
Cord Blood Banks
If you’ve decided to store your baby’s cord blood, there are many reputable companies in the business of cord blood banking. Here is a list of a few of them.
Cord Blood Banking Costs
While there are no out-of-pocket expenses to store your baby’s cord blood, there may be costs associated with the cord blood banking service. The costs of private banking are higher than public banking, which is free, but the costs will vary from company to company. You can expect to pay between $15,000 and $19,000 to store your baby’s cord blood with one of the major private banks like Cord Blood Registry, ViaCord, or Cryo-Cell. If you’re choosing a smaller bank or an independent cord blood facility, the cost may be less.
Should You Store Your Baby’s Cord Blood?
There are a few reasons why you may want to store your baby’s cord blood. If your child or a family member has a genetic disease, like leukemia or sickle cell anemia, you may want to consider storing their cord blood. The blood harvested from the umbilical cord is rich in stem cells that can be used to create red blood cells that can be used to treat various genetic conditions. You may also want to store your baby’s cord blood if you are expecting another child. Cord blood can be used to treat a variety of diseases, like leukemia and lymphoma, in both infants and adults. This means that the blood you store now (if you choose to do so) may be useful for your next child in the future.
How to Decide If You Should Store Your Baby’s Cord Blood
If you are pregnant and considering storing your baby’s cord blood, you have a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you need to understand that the odds of your baby’s cord blood being used in his or her lifetime are small. According to the Be the Match Foundation, the likelihood of using someone else’s cord blood is about 1 in 10,000. If your child has a genetic disorder, you may want to consider storing your baby’s cord blood. The blood harvested from the umbilical cord is rich in stem cells that can be used to create red blood cells that can be used to treat various genetic conditions. You may also want to store your baby’s cord blood if you are expecting another child. Cord blood can be used to treat a variety of diseases, like leukemia and lymphoma, in both infants and adults. This means that the blood you store now (if you choose to do so) may be useful for your next child in the future.
Safeguards and Regulations for Cord Blood Banks
As mentioned, cord blood banks are required to comply with rigorous and specific regulations. These companies must be accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), and they must adhere to strict standards for the collection and storage of all blood samples, including cord blood. The American Medical Association also has a list of requirements for cord blood banks, including storage and handling methods that can help to ensure the safety of your sample. Finally, your baby’s doctor can also let you know if there is a public bank near you where you can donate your baby’s cord blood.
Tips to Find the Right Cord Blood Bank for You
Choosing the right cord blood bank can be a tricky decision. It can be helpful to do your research and interview a few banks before deciding which one is right for you. You can start by reading reviews on websites like Yelp or the Better Business Bureau. You can also check out information about each company on the National Cord Blood Association’s website. One way to narrow down your choices is to think about what is most important to you in a cord blood bank. You may want to choose a bank that’s close to your home or one that offers a free delivery service. You may also want to choose one that is endorsed by your obstetrician or pediatrician. To help you get started, check out this list of the top cord blood banks in the country today.