When parents prepare for the birth of a child, the last thing on their minds is a possible future health crisis for their child. Cord blood banking gained popularity in the 1990s as a simple, yet effective, method for stem cell storage in the event of a future transplant or other issue a baby might face. Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, but storing it can be costly. Learn how to avoid being scammed by a fake cord blood registry and to find the right facility.
Why Save Umbilical Blood?
The umbilical blood in a newborn baby contains hematopoietic stem cells, cells that can later become white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. In extreme cases where a patient has cancer or an immune system disorder, these hematopoietic stem cells can be used to replace the patient's existing malfunctioning cells. New research into cord blood use for brain injury and type 1 diabetes is also promising.
A newborn's own hematopoietic stem cells, stored for later use, means that the body will be less likely to reject the stem cells. Donor cells can be rejected in transplants, so cord blood banking for autologous, or self-transplantation, is key for the best possible outcome in the event of a disease or disorder in which umbilical blood can be used.
Parents can simply donate their newborn's harvest to a public cord blood bank, in which the umbilical blood loses all identification and becomes available for anyone to use. Private cord blood banks, though, allow parents to collect and preserve their baby's own cells for guaranteed reservation if the baby needs them at any point in his or her life.
Cord Blood Banking – Is the Registry Approved by the AABB or FACT?
The initial harvest of the umbilical blood is fairly expensive and many parents, especially those with a history of immune disorders in the family, are eager to pay for stem cell storage. This creates a situation rife for scams; consumers need to be armed with the proper knowledge to avoid being defrauded.
All valid cord blood registries choose to be voluntarily approved by the American Association of Blood Banks or the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy. Avoid any cord blood banking company that does not have the AABB or FACT seal of approval.
In a debate in the February 2005 issue of PLoS Medicine titled "Can Routine Commercial Cord Blood Banking Be Scientifically and Ethically Justified?" researchers argue that while public cord banking is a vital service to patients and medical research, private cord blood banking may prey on the emotional vulnerability of worried parents. The chance of needing cord blood is one in 300, on average; families with a history of immune disorders find that ratio settles in at one in 200. For many parents, the expense may not be worth the risk.
Cost of Cord Blood Banking – What is Typical?
However, for other parents stem cell storage is a critical part of a larger plan for medical protection of their child's health. The cost of cord blood banking has remained stable over the past decade. While each private cord blood registry operates in a slightly different fashion, the typical expenses are:
- $900 to $2,100 for the initial harvesting of the umbilical blood
- $100 per year for storage
These prices vary based on registry, city, and other factors. Some companies provide a slight discount for families storing cord blood for more than one child.
Research all possible options when deciding on a cord blood bank. Families should not be afraid to ask about discounts for stem cell storage for more than one child, or to request measures that may reduce the fees associated with storing umbilical cells. Look for brochures in midwives' and obstetricians' offices, as La Leche League Leaders and doulas about cord blood banking, and read promotions and articles on the topic. The more information parents have the better able they are to make sound decisions on this important aspect of a child's health.
References:
American Association of Blood Banks, accessed February 3, 2011.
Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, accessed February 3, 2011.
"Can Routine Commercial Cord Blood Banking Be Scientifically and Ethically Justified?" PLoS Medicine, February 2005, accessed February 3, 2011.
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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