More new parents are considering cord blood banking these days, and they have a lot to consider. As I prepared my latest Bill of Health report, I learned there's one point that experts stress: "Banked" (stored) umbilical cord blood does not represent a "cure" in and of itself for a child.
So, anyone thinking of paying to store their infant's cord blood should think of it as an insurance policy as well as a bet on the future. They're betting that researchers will make breakthroughs on curing or reversing various gene-based illnesses. Right now, cord blood only has limited, proven uses. It has been used as an alternative to bone marrow transplants needed to treat certain blood and immune disorders. In addition, cord blood has been used as a treatment for some types of leukemia, lymphoma, and hereditary blood disorders.
Parents also need to decide whether they want to opt for a private cord blood bank or the handful of public cord blood banks around the country. The difference is important for several reasons. Cord-blood stored at a private facility is stored strictly for the use of the donor's family. Opting for a public bank means the cord-blood could potentially be used by anyone, if medical experts determine the stem cells represent a good match for someone else in need. There's a significant difference in price as well. After all, private cord blood banks are "for profit" endeavors, and the business they're in carries high costs. Processing and storing cord blood is not like storing regular blood at the local "blood bank." Its complex and expensive, which is one reason why there are only a few dozen public cord blood banks around the country.
So, what are your thoughts on banking cord blood? Is it something all new parents should consider? Is it a business with a solid future?
Comments
Here is a good guide on banking cord blood: http://www.life123.com/article_FullStory/Cord-Blood-Banking_1205354141013.html
Hi,
This is an important subject which parents should investigate thoroughly. They can pick up a lot by trying this keen Cord Blood Quiz.
Test your knowledge of Cord Blood Cells. What are they? How can they help you?
Take a couple of minutes to answer these 10 questions.
http://www.mazecordblood.com/cordblood-quiz.htm
Did you receive 100%?
Paul
I work with a private cord blood bank and believe it is something every parent should consider. There are a number of factors related to the decision including cost. As you mention, it is an expensive procedure. Our lab, M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood is trying to reverse that trend by eliminating the expensive advertising, marketing and sales campaigns used by many of the cord blood companies. We provide top-quality cord blood processing without the hype and its associated costs. Cord blood banking is not a choice for everyone, but every parent needs to determine for themselves if it is something they want to do.