How To Bank Cord Blood?

Answer 1

Today’s technology has come a long way when it comes to stem cell research. Many parents are resorting to banking there child’s umbilical cord blood in a cord blood bank. Stem cells are used to treat a variety of diseases. And stem cells are found in the blood that is contained within the umbilical cord after delivery. The process is not complicated and parents should know how to go about this before labor has begun.

Step 1. Check with your local hospital about a class they offer to learn about umbilical cord blood banking process. Be sure to enroll in this class before you have the baby. In that class you will learn the reasons why a parent may choose to do this and other information regarding cord blood banks.

Step 2. Pick up the necessary forms from the hospital and fill them out. These forms let the hospital know that you wish to save the umbilical cord blood and it also informs them to either save it privately for you and your family or to donate it.

Step 3. Check various blood banks for rates. That way when the time comes you know what the cost will be. Saving cord blood could prove expensive but in the long run it could end up saving your life or your families. If you have further questions call the national Cord Blood Registry to get any more information or to answer questions you may have.

Step 4. After you have delivered, tell the nurse to save the cord blood. At this time it will be taken from the umbilical cord and placed into a collection bag and stored. Then you need to pay the initial fee of the private blood bank. That fee ranges from $1,000 to $2000. The annual fee due each year after that is around the $100 mark. You pay this for as long as you wish to keep the blood saved. It is a known fact that cord blood is good for up to 15 years or better.