Banking Cord Blood: A Guide for Expectant Parents

Banking cord blood has become a hot trend, and it may even be something your Obstetrician has discussed with you, but what is cord blood banking all about, and is it appropriate for your family?

What is cord blood banking?

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, and then shipped to a cord blood bank by way of a medical courier, where it is then frozen for future use.

Why bank cord blood?

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 they 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 1 in 4 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:

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Neuroblastoma
• Aplastic Anemia
• Hunter Syndrome
• Osteopetrosis
• Sickle Cell Anemia

Due to all of the ongoing stem cell research, this list is constantly growing. Experimental treatments are currently underway for arthritis, breast cancer, Parkinson’s, Lupus, Crohn’s disease, type I diabetes, Alzheimer’s, spinal cord injury, and stroke recovery (parentsguidecordblood.com).

How can I bank my child’s cord blood?

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 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.

Choosing a Bank

To set up collection with a private cord blood bank, you first need to decide which bank you want to use. Your options include, but are not limited to:

CorCell
Viacord
NeoCells
Cryo-Cell

Banking Fees

Each cord blood bank has their own set of fees associated with banking, but you should 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 all of the 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 prior to your delivery. If your doctor asks you to write up a birth plan, this should be included.

Banking Cord Blood and Your Family

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.

~ Erin Huffstetler, Staff Editor