Pros and Cons of Cord Blood Banking

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

• The decision to bank cord blood must be made before giving birth, as it can only be collected immediately after the baby is born. Parents must register with a cord blood registry and will receive a kit for collection to give the doctor or midwife. The blood is collected after the umbilical cord is clamped off; it's a completely safe, painless procedure. It takes approximately five minutes. The sterile kits are also safe for c-section deliveries.

Autologous Use

• Autologous use refers to using one's own stem cells. There are many diseases that can be treated with stem cells from the cord blood, including several forms of cancer, anemia and leukemia. The benefit of using autologous stem cells is an elimination of the risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD), in which the body's cells attacks the new cells. GVHD can be fatal.

Use by Family Members

• Another reason to privately bank cord blood is for use by other family members. While autologous transplants are the most preferred, stem cells from an immediate relative are the second best option. Anemia, immune system diseases and inherited metabolic disorders are standard diseases treated by stem cell transplants. Although GVHD is still a possibility, the chances are lower when cord blood from a relative is used versus bone marrow.

Costs

• The greatest "con" against blood banking is the cost. As of August 2009, the average cost of enrollment and collection is $1,000 to $1,900. This includes the collection kit and a certificate to verify deposit. Shipping and handling to the facility ranges between $35 and $150. Storage fees are $100 to $125 a year. Small discounts averaging $20 a year may be given if storage is pre-paid for 18 to 20 years. Parents of multiples may receive additional discounts.

Donating Cord Blood

• Those who choose not to privately bank their baby's cord blood can choose to instead donate it to a public bank such as the National Marrow Donor Program. There is no cost involved in donating, but it can be difficult to find a hospital or doctor that participates. Larger city hospitals are more likely to have the capabilities. When donating, the health history of the mother must meet certain eligibility standards and be free of infection at the time of birth.