The umbilical cord, once discarded as waste, is now prized containing stem cells that can cure 80+ diseases and disorders. Expectant parents can bank the cord blood for future needs. Stem cells of the cord blood change according to the surroundings and transform into any cell in the blood. These cells repair and replenish tissues of the body and are thus used to treat cancer, blood diseases, and immune system disorders.

Donating cord blood is a harmless process for the mother and the child. However, you should discuss this with your gynecologist and register in a bank. Here is everything expecting parents need to know about cord blood banking.

Definition of cord blood banking and what are its procedure?

Umbilical cord blood banking is a way to collect and preserve your baby’s stem cells present in the umbilical cord blood. You can use these for the needy patient or your family member’s treatment in the future. You can either donate your baby’s cord blood at a public bank at no cost or store it in a private bank by paying a fee. You have to discuss whether or not banking blood is the right decision for your family.

The authorities collect the cord blood instantly after the baby is delivered. The umbilical cord is cut and clamped and given to the collection team. A doctor or nurse draws blood from the umbilical cord vein using a needle. Since this is done after detaching the baby from the cord, the process is pain-free and harmless. Also, cord blood collection has no associated health risks. You can opt for both vaginal and cesarean births without causing any discomfort.

After the blood is collected, it is packed in a bag and sent to the bank. At the bank, cord blood is processed and given an identifying number. Thus, it is frozen and stored, and the doctor obtains the stem cells. These are stored cytogenetically in liquid nitrogen. The maximum time of storage of stem cells has not been determined yet, as the study began in the late 1970s. However, successful transplants have taken place from cells stored for over a decade. So we know that these can survive at least this long.

Types of banks and their cost

It is significant to do some research while selecting a bank for umbilical cord blood banking. There are two types of banks, namely public and private. Both these categories are registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They differ in the usage of cord blood and the cost they take from the donor.

A public cord blood bank takes little to 0 fees for the process. You should register with them before your delivery, and their team will collect the blood from the hospital where you deliver the baby. Your baby’s blood will be available for immediate donation to whoever needs stem cells. You can also use it for scientific research. It is a drawback to families who want to use cord blood as an extra assurance for their child, promising a perfect match in the future in case of a transplant. These are funded primarily by tax dollars and federal grants.

Private blood banks store your baby’s cord blood to be used only by them in the future. It is, however, expensive. They take an initial fee when you register for processing and storage. You also have to pay monthly or annual charges for storage and maintenance. The fee will vary depending on location and facility. The initial fees range between $1000 to $ 1500, and the annual charges can cost up to $175. You can research and find affordable cord blood banks starting at $19.99/month.

The likelihood of your child using cord blood is very small. So the blood will remain unused. But the authorities will use it as soon as a perfect match in a public blood bank.