The Process of Collecting Cord Blood

Parents must make the decision to collect the cord blood about six weeks before the baby’s due date. At that time, they register with a private blood bank and receive a special collection kit that the delivery team can use for the sample. The procedure is done at the time of a baby’s delivery, usually just before the placenta is delivered. The process is generally simple and routine, and typically poses little risk for the mother or baby, although complications can occasionally occur. When a caesarean section is performed, the procedure can still be done, but there is usually a smaller supply of blood available. Either way, the blood that is collected is transported by bags or syringes to the blood bank’s facility. There, the stem cells are separated out and are frozen in liquid nitrogen to be stored until they are needed. (It is important to note that there is no consensus as to up what age a child could effectively use the stem cells from their own cord blood, but it is known that the amount usually stored would only be appropriate to use for a child or young adult and would not be enough for a full transplant for an adult.)

The Costs Involved

There are as many as 25 or more private blood storage banks in the United States today, and the costs for their services vary. Most private banks charge a collection and processing fee for accepting the cord blood supply into their facility, and then there is usually an annual storage fee as well. Some banks request payment up front for the collection and set-up fees, while others offer payment plans. In addition, some companies promote discounts for parents who prepay the storage costs up front. There are also various miscellaneous fees for delivery or shipping, for cord-blood collection kits and for initial set-up of an account that might be added into the total bill, depending on the bank. It is also worth mentioning that it is not yet known how long the cord blood can be safely stored.

The average cost of privately banking a newborn’s cord blood is as follows:

• Initial collection or set-up fee: between $1,200 and $1,900
• Shipping or delivering blood to the storage facility: from no cost up to $150
• Annual storage charge: between $95 and $125 per year

Summary: $2,530 to $3,800 to store your infant’s cord blood for 14 years.

What to Look for in a Private Bank

If you decide you want to invest the money to store your infant’s cord blood, it is important to select a reputable company. You can do a search on line to read about the companies you are considering and see what other parents who have used their services have to say. You should also find out how long the company has been in business, how many clients they have and what accreditations they hold. The FDA regulates private blood banks, as do several states. In addition, a handful of private organizations also offer accreditation. You might also ask what standards the company follows in collecting and storing the blood supply. Finally, it is worthwhile to find what will be done with your child’s blood if the company ever goes out of business or you miss an annual storage payment.

Another Option: Public Banks

If you choose not to pay for privately banking your infant’s cord blood, the good news is that you can still opt to save the stem-cell-rich blood at a public bank, which is usually free of charge. This will allow the sample to be used for important research and also to be made available to anyone who needs it. While at a public bank you won’t be able to request your own newborn’s blood, it does mean that there is at least an anonymous supply to turn to if a need should arise for any of your children. This fact should give all parents who choose not to privately bank their child’s cord blood some real peace of mind.