In the past decade, cord blood banking has become a popular option for expectant parents. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which company is right for you and your family. This article will explain everything you need to know about cord blood banking, including its potential benefits and risks, how it works, different types of storage options and costs, as well as recommended companies.
What is Cord Blood and Cord Blood Banking?
Cord blood is blood that is collected from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby shortly after birth. Cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can be used to treat diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and more. Cord blood banking is the process of storing your baby’s cord blood for future use. Private cord blood banking is the process of paying a company to store and preserve your child’s cord blood for your family’s future use. If a member of your family ever needs cord blood for treatment, you can use your stored cord blood to save their life. There are a number of advantages to storing your baby’s cord blood privately, including the option to donate it to a public bank.
Why store cord blood?
Cord blood is a rich source of stem cells. The most common use of stem cells is in bone marrow transplants. Stem cells in the bone marrow are used to replace cells that have become diseased or broken down. They are also used to create new cells in treatments for diseases such as leukemia and sickle cell anemia. Stem cells obtained from cord blood are different from those obtained from bone marrow in that they are younger, more adaptable and less likely to cause an immune response. This makes them an attractive source of stem cells for people with leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases. Other types of stem cells can only be used by the donor, which is why doctors prefer to use cord blood stem cells. In the event that someone in your family needs a stem cell transplant, they can get the cells they need from your baby’s cord blood. That said, it’s also important to note that it’s rare for a family member to need a stem cell transplant.
Types of Cord Blood Banks
There are two main types of cord blood banks: public and private. Public banks store cord blood for anyone who needs it, and they are often free, or have a very low cost associated with them. Private banks, on the other hand, only store cord blood that will be used by the person who paid to have it stored. Public banks are preferable because they allow people to benefit from the power of cord blood who otherwise may not be able to afford it. However, there are a few drawbacks to public cord blood banks. First, the cord blood in public banks is not always high quality (more on that later). Second, there is only a small chance that the cord blood in a public bank will be available to your family. This is because public banks often have a waiting list of several thousand people.
Cord blood storage costs
Many people find it surprising that they have to pay to store their baby’s cord blood. Cord blood storage costs range between $19,000 and $26,000. There are a few reasons why survival cord blood banks charge a fee. First, the cost of the initial collection and processing of the blood is high. In addition, the cost of storing the blood for years is considerable, so many banks charge a fee for long-term storage. Some banks will also charge you an annual fee for as long as you store your baby’s cord blood with them. In general, the longer you store your baby’s cord blood, the cheaper it is per year. However, some cord blood banks offer a lifetime discount, which means you will pay the same amount for 20 years as you would for one.
How to pick a cord blood bank
When looking for the right cord blood company, you’ll want to find one that is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). This organization has strict standards for cord blood banks, and it’s important that you select one that meets them. You can find a list of accredited cord blood banks on the AABB’s website. In addition to the AABB, you may want to consider a few other factors when picking a bank. First, make sure the bank has a long track record. It’s also important that the company is reputable, financially secure and has a good customer service track record. You can find these things out by reading customer reviews and researching the company’s history online.
Conclusion
Cord blood banking is a great way to save your baby’s stem cells in case they ever need them. The process is simple, painless and has the potential to save lives. Choosing the right cord blood bank is important, however. You want to make sure it’s accredited, has a good track record and is financially secure. If you’re expecting a child, you should consider cord blood banking. It’s a simple process, and there are many advantages to storing your baby’s cord blood. It’s important to do your research, however. You want to make sure you choose a company that has a good track record, is financially secure and is accredited by the AABB.