In the past, the cord blood that contains stem cells was considered medical waste after childbirth. Thanks to modern science and research, it is discovered and now considered beneficial, especially to those people who are suffering from blood-related diseases, such as cancer, aplastic anemia, and type 1 diabetes.
Since we cannot predict the course of our lives, and we cannot choose what disease to suffer when we become adults, it is better to be prepared for the unexpected. Hence, some people, particularly those expecting a baby in the family, are contemplating collecting their child’s cord blood sample and storing it in a reliable cord blood bank.
Choosing a cord blood bank requires you to consider some factors to ensure that you are not wasting your samples to an unreliable bank. Thus, before you decide to deposit your cord blood samples to your chosen bank, it is greatly recommended to consider, check or look for the following vital factors:
Lab Certifications
Cord blood banks are medical facilities that collect, seal, secure, and store cord blood samples for future use. They can be either a public facility that allows you to donate the cord blood sample for public use or a private facility that allows you to decide when and how your deposited stem cells are used. The private cord blood bank is the most secure type since you can withdraw what you store any time your family member needs it.
When you opt for a private cord blood bank, you must look for their lab certifications first before entrusting your child’s cord blood in them. Ensure that the company you choose is accredited and registered in the Food and Drug Administration and American Association of Blood Banks. You must also see that the bank follows all the medical guidelines to ensure that your child’s cord blood is 100% safe.
Clinical Experience
Before you settle on one cord blood bank, it is essential to check if that bank has a profound clinical experience. That is, having numerous cord blood samples stored and released for successful transplants and experimental therapies. Do not settle for a bank with many samples stored but do not have much of a successful transplant.
It is also better if you entrust your child’s cord blood to a bank that operates in their laboratory and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. In that way, you can rest with the thought that you are investing your cord blood and money on a cord blood bank that is both stable and reliable.
Processing Fees And Rates
One of the benefits of entrusting your child’s cord blood to a private cord blood bank is that you can use the sample for transplant anytime when one of your family members, especially your child, needs it. With this benefit in mind, paying for processing fees and storage rates is almost always worth it, especially if you choose the right and best cord blood bank in your area.
If you worry a lot about your budget and afford the fees, the average initial processing cost is from $500 to $2,500 with an annual storage fee that can run from $100 to $300 each year, depending on the pricing of the bank. Before choosing a cord blood bank, it would be better to compare the rates first to know which bank suits your budget. Choose an affordable yet competent bank that provides high-quality medical services.
Quality Service
You don’t want to receive crappy services after paying a considerable amount. So, you must be picky when choosing a cord blood bank for your child’s cord blood. Since childbirth can happen any time, you must choose a bank with after-hours representatives that are ready to be notified when the cord blood is collected and is ready to be transported to the lab.
Before you sign a contract with a cord blood bank, you may consider asking for an information packet from the company to know how the bank does all its processes when collecting and storing cord blood. If you think that the bank can be trusted and offers high-quality services, go for them.
Shipment
Stem cells found and collected from the cord blood are quite beneficial because they can develop into blood cells, brain cells, and muscle cells. Thus, it would be such a waste if they are not adequately stored as they can degrade over time.
To avoid this, you must opt for a bank that can ship your sample to their lab within 48 hours. Besides that, you must also opt for a bank that has a transportation kit to ensure that your samples are appropriately taken care of.
Takeaway
It is in your hands to decide what to do with your child’s cord blood. Whether you want to donate it or keep it to yourself for future use, you must make sure that the cord blood bank you choose has the best and purest intentions. Before signing to one of the banks, consider all the factors mentioned above to ensure your sample’s safety.