The blood, which is left in the umbilical cord shortly after the delivery, was earlier considered and discarded as medical waste. Today, researchers believe that umbilical cord blood, which is a rich source of stem cells that can morph into different kinds of healthy blood cells, can treat a wide range of serious illnesses such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and sickle cell anemia. Compared to a bone marrow transplant, which is a difficult and painful process for the donor, the collection of cord blood is safe and completely pain-free. With better research, medical science has witnessed better outcomes of transplanting cord blood.
Donors can access their own cord blood when it is stored at a private blood bank for a specific fee. The blood cells are stored for your family with no access to the public. On the contrary, when you donate it to a public blood bank free, there is no guarantee that it will be accessible to you when you need it. One of the most important facts about cord blood banking procedure is that it is not cheap. The entire procedure of collecting, transporting, and storing cord blood involves several screening processes, which are expensive, which explains the hefty prices you pay to store umbilical cord blood for future therapy.
Cord blood banking prices
Today parents have choices when it comes to deciding whether to donate your baby’s cord blood or save it for your family for future medical use. Storing your baby’s cord blood in a private blood bank can be quite pricey with a cost of $1500 to $2500, depending on various other factors. This is exclusive of the annual storage fee of $125.
On the other hand, donating your cord blood to a public bank incurs no cost at all. It will help to save another person with a stem cell transplant if the cord blood is a close match. Each step of collecting and storing your baby’s cord blood involves a price, regardless of whether it is a private or a public blood bank. Cord blood banks ensure to conduct a series of tests before the blood is stored for medical therapies. This is to ensure that the blood is free from infectious diseases and other disorders. The blood bank also separates the components of the blood that holds the stem cells and includes a cryoprotectant to protect the cells and prevent it from bursting when it is kept frozen below -196 degree C.
Though cord blood rich in stem cells can treat a wide range of diseases, the chances that your child may need a stem cell transplant with cord blood are quite low. Therefore, consider all pros and cons before you choose to donate or store your child’s cord blood in a private or public bank.