What You Need To Know About Cord Blood Banking

                                                                                         

If you are expecting a new addition to your family, then you have probably gotten some information regarding cord blood banking. While this procedure is not mainstream now, it is gaining in popularity. This is due to the benefits that scientists claim can be gained from this type of blood. While the benefits may be numerous, some other things need to be considered before you sign up. The following information is meant to be a starting point in your research into blood banking.

If you are planning to save the cord blood from your newborn, it is very important that you do your research. You need to know the processing procedures, how many subscribers they currently have, if anyone has actually needed to use the cord blood that was stored, and if so, was it still viable? Ask also if the blood bank is a member of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), this will help to ensure that they are a legitimate blood bank that is concerned with your personal situation.

If you are not interested in saving and, therefore paying for the cord blood banking, you may consider its donation. The procedures for collection are the same and pose no danger or pain to either you or to your child. However, this form of donation is a little different that a normal blood donation. This type of blood has the potential to unlock the mysteries of diseases and can be an important research tool. Before it can be used for that reason, you will need to sign a form stating that they have your permission to use the blood for research purposes.

However, it is important to note also, that the costs associated with cord blood banking can be very high. One popular blood bank charges around $1500.00 for the initial storage and processing fees and $80.00 a month for storage after that. The blood is generally kept in storage until the donor (the newborn baby) is 21 years old. This is a significant investment, and needs to be given careful consideration.


You can also donate the cord blood to a person that is suffering from a medical condition such as leukemia or sickle cell anemia. If your child is a match for a bone marrow transfer, this cord blood could indeed save someone's life.

The proponents of cord blood banking state that this particular type of blood is needed to cure future diseases that the child or their close relatives may developed in the future. Diseases such as leukemia sickle cell anemia anything that may need a bone marrow transplant. The reason is that the cord blood will be a 100% match for the child, and at least a 25% match for siblings.

As you can see, there are different options that are available to you for the use of your child's cord blood. However, the costs can add up, if you are ever in a position where you cannot pay the storage fees, then the blood may go to waste, therefore, the costs need to be weighed against the potential gains.

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Visit http://cord-blood-online.info or http://about-cord-blood.net to learn more about umbilical cord blood donation and cord blood donation.

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