Cord blood banking is a procedure in which a newborn's umbilical cord blood is collected and stored for later use. In some cases, cord blood provides treatment opportunities for diseases, such as some forms of cancer.
Planning
Women who want to bank cord blood must contact the cord blood bank well in advance of labor. The bank must send a collection kit that must be used when the baby is delivered.
Transportation
Cord blood is transported from the hospital to the cord blood bank in bags or syringes. A special courier must be used to ensure proper transportation protocol, such as temperature restrictions, are met.
Storage
Once the cord blood is received at the bank, the stem cells are separated from the rest of the blood. The stem cells are stored in liquid nitrogen and can be thawed whenever the cells are needed.
Time Frame
Cord blood is thought to stay viable forever as long as it is properly frozen. However, because the procedure has only been around since the 1970s, the length of storage and its effect on the quality of the cord blood are still being determined.
Types
There are two types of cord blood banks: private and public. Private banks are where you can pay to store your baby's cord blood for your own or your family's use later, while public banks are where you can donate your baby's cord blood for others to use.
Cost
According to the Nemours Foundation, the initial cost of cord blood banking at a private facility is $1,000 to $2,000 with an annual storage fee of at least $100. On top of those charges, you may have to pay for the kit, courier and processing.
