Cord blood banking has gained popularity in recent times. With greater awareness about the benefits of cord blood and stem cells; more people are choosing to preserve their kids’ cord blood. Cord blood banking prices are seldom a deterrent for parents who wish to safeguard their kids from rare and deadly diseases. With new innovations, it is now easier to store the cord blood with banks offering varied plans to suit all budgets and requirements.

What is cord blood banking?

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing cord blood. It can often also include the collection and storage of cord tissue as well. In many parts of the world, it is often referred to as stem cell banking.

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and the umbilical cord post a delivery. It is rich in stem cells, which are cells with the ability to replicate into various types of blood cells. Cord tissue is the umbilical cord.

During delivery, the umbilical cord is infused with stem cells in preparation for the birth. It helps to strengthen the immunity of both the mother and the fetus. After delivery, there is no need for the umbilical cord and it was often thrown out as medical waste. But since the 1990s, greater awareness about cord blood and stem cells has made umbilical cord banking a buzzword.

The process of collecting cord blood is painless. It involves scientific processes.

The collection process –

The collection process actually begins way before birth. You will need to register with a cord blood banking company to begin the process.

 Start by researching into various cord blood banking companies operational in your area. Check their plans and compare different cord blood banking prices. Choose a company that best meets your cord blood banking requirements.

 Register with the company. You may find signup information on the companies’ websites. You may register online or in person. For inquiries, call the bank and schedule a consultation.

 Post the registration; you will receive information about the collection process. The bank will also provide you with a collection kit. You need to carry it to the hospital when you go there for the delivery. Hand it over to the nurse in charge or your doctor as they are aware of the cord blood collection process.

 When the umbilical cord is clamped and cut post the delivery, it still contains blood. The doctor or nurse will extract the blood from it. The amount of blood inside it will vary from child to child. The collection process doesn’t interfere with the delivery or harms the mother or the child in any way.

 The collected blood is placed inside the kit. Companies also collect the mother’s blood to test it for infectious diseases. It is done to ensure that the cord blood is safe from infections and is completely viable.

 The kit with the blood inside it is collected by a medical courier employed by the bank. It is quickly delivered to the bank, where the maternal blood is tested and the cord blood is processed. The stem cells are separated from the cord blood using advanced technology. The processing method can differ from bank to bank. Processing within 24 hours is most optimal. Some companies may take up to 48 hours too.

 The stem cells will be preserved with the help of the technology employed by the bank. The most advanced storage process involves cryopreservation with liquid nitrogen.

 Post the storage process, banks provide their clients with a report containing details such as the volume of the collected blood, cell count, cells’ viability, etc. The report also contains a unique number referring to the location of your child’s cord blood sample.

Cord blood banking prices –

It is best to choose a bank that offers tailored plans to suit varied needs. Also, look at other benefits to see if the price charged by the bank seems justified to you.

The banks charge a one-time collection and processing fee. After that; you will need to pay yearly charges for cord blood storage. The yearly storage fee can run into a couple of hundred dollars (more or less).