A pregnant woman has many concerns and decisions to make about the birth of her baby. Although the umbilical cord is often forgotten by parents, the cord blood is extremely valuable. The stem cells in the cord blood could someday provide life-saving cells for the child or others in need. Cord blood banks handle the critical storage and management of cord blood deposits.

Significance

After the umbilical cord is cut, there remains a variety of stem cells that have the capacity to regenerate and to mature into every cell type that exists in the human body. Cord blood banks ensure the safe, accurate processing and indefinite storage of cord blood.

Benefits

By selecting a private blood bank, if you or your child is injured or becomes ill, then the stored stem cells can be used. Doctors use undifferentiated stem cells in regenerative treatments for injuries and as therapy for a host of diseases.

Storage Stability

Ensure the cord blood bank uses a backup generator system in case of a power outage. For an indefinite period of storage, the New York State Health Department recommends cord blood cells remain constant at minus 196 degrees C.

Monitoring

The storage facility should have stringent systems monitoring by certified technicians. The blood bank needs to be in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration, and state government guidelines.

Privacy

Inquire about the storage facility's privacy policies and procedures. Private cord blood banks should have strict standards for coding, tracking and retrieval of clients' stored cord blood.

Costs

For a private bank, expect to pay a collection fee for the cord blood as well as an annual storage fee. Collection fees range from less than $100 to more than $2,000 as of October 2009, whereas annual storage fees are less than $200. Public banks charge modest fees for collection.

Source:

Parents' Guide to Cord Blood Foundation

Cord Blood Registry