Deciding to preserve your baby's umbilical cord blood is a forward-thinking investment in your family's future health. However, once you make that decision, you are immediately met with a barrage of marketing materials from various private institutions. Choosing the right bank isn't just about price; it's about ensuring that if your family ever needs those stem cells 20 years from now, the cells are viable and the company still exists.
Before vetting specific companies, you must decide between public donation and private storage. This guide focuses on choosing a private bank, but understanding the difference is crucial for your decision-making framework.
If your goal is to ensure a 100% match for your child or a high probability match for a sibling, private banking is the route you will likely take.
Not all laboratories are created equal. The most critical step in your due diligence is verifying the bank's accreditations. These are not just "badges" for a website; they represent rigorous, third-party audits of laboratory processes.
AABB accreditation is the industry standard. It ensures the lab follows strict quality control for collecting, processing, and storing cord blood. Never choose a bank that is not AABB accredited.
FACT is a higher level of accreditation, often required by transplant physicians. It focuses heavily on the clinical outcomes and the entire chain of custody. While AABB is a must, FACT accreditation is a sign of a top-tier facility.
The number of stem cells recovered during processing determines the success of a future transplant. You want a bank that uses advanced processing technology to maximize this "Total Nucleated Cell" (TNC) count.
Ask the bank about their processing method. Automated systems (like AXP®) generally provide higher recovery rates and less human error than manual separation methods. Furthermore, inquire about their storage containers. Multi-compartment bags are preferable over single vials, as they allow for multiple uses or doses if the technology allows for expansion in the future.
You are entering into a 20-year (or lifetime) contract. You need to know the company will be there when you need them. Look for these indicators of stability:
Cord blood banking costs usually consist of two parts: the initial enrollment/collection fee and the annual storage fee. Beware of "teaser rates" that hide high annual increases.
When comparing, look for "All-in" pricing. Does the initial fee include the collection kit, medical courier, and the first year of storage? Many parents find that pre-paying for 20 years of storage upfront can save thousands of dollars in the long run compared to annual payments that may adjust for inflation.
Stem cells are fragile. The time between birth and the lab (the "transit time") is critical. A reputable bank should provide:
Can I bank cord blood if I have a C-section?
Yes. The collection process is identical for both vaginal and C-section births and is performed after the cord is clamped and cut.
What happens if the bank goes out of business?
Most reputable banks have "continuity of care" agreements where your samples would be transferred to another accredited facility if the company ceases operations.
Is it worth banking cord tissue as well?
Many parents choose to bank cord tissue (the actual cord) alongside the blood, as it contains Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) which are currently being researched for different types of therapies than blood stem cells.
Cord Blood Collection Kit
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