The blood that comes from the umbilical cord is uniquely valuable. It is filled with stem cells, which are cells that can develop into any cell the body needs. The cells in umbilical cord blood are so valuable that some parents have taken to storing or banking them in case someone in their family becomes sick and may be able to benefit from them in the future.

Umbilical Cord Blood

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, researchers discovered that the blood inside the umbilical cord is filled with hematopoietic stem cells, similar to the ones found inside bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells are the only kind of stem cells routinely used in medical treatments and therapies. They are currently used to treat over 80 diseases, including certain cancers, bone marrow failure syndromes, blood and metabolic disorders, and immunodeficiencies.

Cord Blood Banking

Many parents choose to save the valuable cord blood as a kind of insurance against sicknesses in their child's or any family member's futures. Storing cord blood means that should there be a need, the child will have a source of stem cells that is an exact match, with no risk of rejection. There is also a strong possibility that other family members will be a match in case they need it.

Banking Process

After choosing a blood bank, you receive a kit with everything your doctors need in order to collect the umbilical cord blood. Instead of throwing away the cord when your baby is born, the nurse will collect the blood using the kit and contact the blood bank to come get it. The bank then takes steps to preserve it so it will be available if you should ever need it. The entire process is painless and can take place after a vaginal or cesarean birth.

Banking Options

First, talk to your doctor. Most physicians recommend banking cord blood, and can put you in touch with the closest and most reliable blood bank. You can also do a computer search for "how to bank umbilical cord blood." This search brings up several sites of groups that will help you make the best decision for your family.

Cost of Banking

Storing umbilical cord blood is expensive, however many people find the peace of mind worth the money. There are a few first-year fees, which can total around $2,200 depending on the cord blood bank you choose. In the first year, typical fees include collection and processing, a private medical courier to pick up the kit, and a first-year storage fee. You will also have to pay annual storage fees around $120.

Source:

KidsHealth.org

Stem Cells

Parents' Guide Cord Blood

More Information:

Kid's Health

National Institute for Health

Viacord