Expectant parents are now being given the option of cord blood banking directly after birth to save for future use in the case that the child could benefit from the stem cells found in the umbilical cord. Understanding the possible benefits and expenses involved with banking cord blood is the first step to making an informed decision.
What Is Cord Blood Banking?
Cord-blood banking began after researchers discovered that umbilical cord blood was a source of stem cells-cells known to successfully treat a wide range of immune and degenerative diseases. As a result of this discovery, many parents are now banking their child's cord blood as a sort of insurance policy, knowing that the stem cells will be a perfect match for their child, should he or she later develop a serious illness that can be treated with stem cells.
Cord-blood banking began after researchers discovered that umbilical cord blood was a source of stem cells-cells known to successfully treat a wide range of immune and degenerative diseases. As a result of this discovery, many parents are now banking their child's cord blood as a sort of insurance policy, knowing that the stem cells will be a perfect match for their child, should he or she later develop a serious illness that can be treated with stem cells.
These banked stem cells have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses in siblings and other family members. In fact, studies have revealed that siblings have a one in four chance of being a perfect match.
What Can Cord Blood Be Used to Treat?
Cord blood can be used to treat a host of illnesses, including
Cord blood can be used to treat a host of illnesses, including
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Neuroblastoma
- Aplastic Anemia
- Hunter Syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Sickle Cell Anemia
Thanks to ongoing stem-cell research, this list is constantly growing. Experimental treatments are currently underway for arthritis, breast cancer, Parkinson's, Lupus, Cohn's Disease, Type I Diabetes, Alzheimer's, spinal cord injuries and stroke recovery.
Private Bank Versus Public Bank
To bank your child's cord blood, you have two options: private banking and public banking. If you use a public bank, your child's cord blood will not be reserved in his or her name but will go to the use of stem-cell research or a non-relative transplant. If you want to keep your child's cord blood specifically for family use, you'll need to use a private cord blood bank.
To bank your child's cord blood, you have two options: private banking and public banking. If you use a public bank, your child's cord blood will not be reserved in his or her name but will go to the use of stem-cell research or a non-relative transplant. If you want to keep your child's cord blood specifically for family use, you'll need to use a private cord blood bank.
Banking Fees
Each cord blood bank has its own set of fees associated with banking. You can generally expect to pay a collection fee, a shipping fee and a yearly storage fee. Insurance companies are not currently helping with these fees, so you'll be responsible for the full payment.
Each cord blood bank has its own set of fees associated with banking. You can generally expect to pay a collection fee, a shipping fee and a yearly storage fee. Insurance companies are not currently helping with these fees, so you'll be responsible for the full payment.
Sign-Up Procedure
For most private banks, the sign-up procedure is as simple as calling to enroll. The company will then send out enrollment papers along with a collection bag for your baby's cord blood.
For most private banks, the sign-up procedure is as simple as calling to enroll. The company will then send out enrollment papers along with a collection bag for your baby's cord blood.
Because your doctor will be responsible for extracting the cord blood, it's important that you discuss your intentions with him or her prior to your delivery. If your doctor asks you to write up a birth plan, this should be included.
Banking cord blood can be a great gift for you and your family, but only if you are comfortable with the procedure and the expense. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions, and then make the decision that is right for your family.
Cord blood banking is the process by which the stem-cell-rich blood found within the umbilical cord is collected and stored for later use. The blood is collected by your doctor after delivery of your baby, then shipped to a cord blood bank by way of a medical courier. It is frozen for future use.
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