The blood in a baby's umbilical cord can be saved and stored in a cord blood bank for possible use in the future. The umbilical cord blood contains a large amount of stem cells. These cells can be used for a stem cell transplant, which treats various types of medical conditions, such as leukemia and other types of cancers. The cells could potentially treat the baby or a relative who is the same blood type. Storing cord blood can be life saving.
Instructions
1. Contact the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). This organization accredits blood banks in the United States. The accreditation process is done to make sure the blood bank meets certain standards in addition to those set by the federal government. The AABB websiteprovides a list of accredited cord blood banks.
2. Be sure the cord blood bank is also accredited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the United States all cord banks must meet the standards set up by the FDA. This includes how the blood is collected, stored and released if needed. Policies are also in place to standardize the training for employees.
3. Understand the difference between a public and private cord blood bank. With a private bank, the stem cells from the cord blood are intended for use by the baby or his or her family. In a public bank, the cord blood is donated, stored and it may be used for anyone who is a match. Public cord blood banks are free and private banks charge a fee.
4. Determine how banks process the cord blood. This information can be obtained from the bank. There are different techniques to separate the stem cells from the red blood cells. Three main techniques are available. No one technique is considered highly superior and all three have both advantages and disadvantages. Learning about the processing techniques may help an individual make an informed decision.
5. Ask how many samples have been used for transplants. Fortunately, most babies never need to use their stem cells for a transplant. Because of this, many cord blood banks have little experience in the transport of the stem cells. They may also not have data on how viable the cells were after the thawing process. It's essential that the storing, transport and thawing process maintains the viability of the stem cells. Cord blood banks which have been in business a while may have statistics to show viability rates.
6. Compare costs. Cord blood banks charge an initial fee for collection of the sample. Usually there is a yearly fee for storage. The costs vary by bank.
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