Cord blood banking involves collecting and storing a baby's umbilical cord blood, rich in stem cells, for future medical use. It can be a valuable resource for treating blood and immune system disorders. Here's a guide to help you understand the features, costs, and companies in the industry.
Who Benefits from Cord Blood Banking?
- Families with Genetic Diseases: Access stem cells for treatment of conditions like leukemia or sickle cell anemia.
- Expecting Families: Donate or store blood for future medical needs.
- Families with Ailing Members: Use newborn cord blood to treat an existing family member.
FAQs About Cord Blood Banking
Is Cord Blood Banking Worth It?
- Useful for treating nearly 80 conditions, including leukemia and lymphoma.
- Privately stored cord blood can last up to 30 years.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Initial processing: $500 - $2,500.
- Annual storage: $100 - $300.
Public vs. Private Banks?
- Public: Free storage, available for anyone, including for research.
- Private: Exclusive use for family, requires enrollment and storage fees.
What Diseases Can It Treat?
- Chronic myeloid leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, Gaucher disease, and sickle cell anemia, among others.
Tip: If unsure about your choice, consult with banks offering free consultations or use matching quizzes to find the best fit for your family's needs.
Key Considerations in Cord Blood Banking
1. Accreditation
- AABB: Ensures safety and accuracy in processing.
- FACT: Recognizes adherence to cellular therapy standards.
- CLIA: Federal requirements for labs conducting human testing.
2. Shipping & Delivery
- Priority Shipping: Fast delivery but may lack temperature control.
- Medical Shipping: Ensures consistent temperature during transport.
- Courier Services: Hand-delivered transport for optimal safety.
3. Processing Methods
- Automatic Processing: Fast but less precise.
- Manual Processing: Precise, separates more stem cells from red blood cells.
- Cord Tissue Processing: Allows additional uses for umbilical tissue.
4. Costs
- Initial Enrollment Fees: $500 - $2,500 for collection and processing.
- Annual Storage Fees: Typically $100 - $300/year.
- Financing Options: Many banks offer payment plans or insurance assistance.
5. Bank Types
- Private Banks: Exclusive storage for donor families, with annual fees.
- Public Banks: Free donations accessible for anyone matching the blood.
- Combination Banks: Handle blood, tissue, and placenta storage.
Top Cord Blood Banks
- Americord
- Offers storage for cord blood, tissue, and placenta starting at $3,499.
- $110,000 engraftment guarantee and no annual storage fees.
- Medical courier services ensure safe transport.
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Proprietary technology collects twice as many stem cells compared to competitors.
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ViaCord
- Over 20 years in operation, part of PerkinElmer.
- Uses medical couriers for safe and temperature-controlled transport.
- Near 90% success rate for cord blood used in treatments.
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Facilities close to an international airport for fast delivery.
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Cord Blood Registry (CBR)
- Largest cord blood bank globally, founded in 1992.
- Fully FDA registered and AABB accredited.
- 99% cell recovery rate with an average transport time of 19 hours.
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Engaged in clinical trials for autism, hearing loss, and cerebral palsy.
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MiracleCord
- Chicago-based, with 20+ years of processing experience.
- Affordable plans starting at $99/month for 12 months.
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Offers a $100,000 quality guarantee and 99% cell recovery rate.
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AlphaCord
- Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, operational since 2002.
- Handles both cord blood and tissue banking.
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Offers premium storage plans and a free consultation.
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New England Cord Blood Bank
- Founded in 1971, pioneers in cryopreservation.
- Automated processing retrieves 98% of stem cells.
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Referral program gives customers $100 for each friend referred.
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HealthBanks
- Offers cord blood, cord tissue, and adult immune cell storage.
- Plans start at $19.99/month with payment options available.
- $50,000 guarantee on transplant services.
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