Stem cell banking from newborns is a practice that has been around for over two decades. Certain factors may prompt you to consider banking cord blood and tissue since they have high levels of stem cells. It is imperative for you to find the best cord blood bank in your state and that which you can afford without breaking a sweat.
The tissue and blood rich in stem cells are collected immediately after birth. It involves using a syringe to draw blood from the umbilical cord and cutting a part of it for tissue. The process does not include the mother or the newborn since they will both be detached from the cord.
The fluid collected from the umbilical cord has ten times more stem cells than those sourced from the bone marrow. Diseases whose treatment this type of stem cells can be utilized for include; cancer, anemia, autism, and cerebral palsy, among others. Your child could benefit from stem cells taken from him or her at birth later on in life and you must be aware of the storage options available.
There are three options for you regarding the banking of newborn stem cells. They are;
- Public cord banks – in this type of facility, you are not charged a single dime because you donate your cord blood and tissue to them. The donations are taken from healthy pregnancies and can be used by anyone who matches it. If you are willing to donate your newborn stem cells, you must deliver in a hospital that permits such arrangements. The downside to this type of bank is that you do not own your cord blood and tissue, and therefore you cannot lay claim in the future.
- Commercial cord banks – also referred to as private cord banks. This is because these types of facilities charge you to process and store your newborn stem cells. Other than the administration fees, you are charged annually to have the blood and tissues stored. Persons allowed to use the blood stored are the donor and members of the family only. So if you are collecting the cord blood and tissue intending to use it later on for your child or other family members, this is the choice for you. The different banks available that allow for such stowage charge differently. Find one that serves your needs and is affordable for a long time.
- Direct donation banks – just like the public ones, cord banks that fall in this category do not charge to store your newborn stem cells. Both public and private institutions fall into this family. They mostly store cord blood and tissue for public use. Donations reserved for family members are also allowed at no cost.
Once you are aware of the banking options available as discussed above, you can make an informed choice regarding which facility tends to your wants. If you are storing cord blood and tissue for your child or any other family member, read guides on the World Wide Web on the factors that you must consider.