Cord blood, derived from the umbilical cord soon after the birth of a baby, is the main source for stem cells. Chances are you’ve already heard many people talking about stem cell transplant and why you need to bank them. Do you really, really need it? And if you do, what else do you need to think about before deciding on a bank? We provide you details on cord stem cell banking and the things you need to consider before choosing a cord blood stem cell bank.

The stem cells pros first

· It’s simple really. With cord stem cell banking, you provide treatment options for the future. Stem cells can provide your children with healthy cells to help treat against life threatening diseases. Stem cells can even treat diseases like leukemia.

· Cord stem cell banking does not involve any injury or pain to the mother or the child. Since the cells are sourced at the umbilical cord that is thrown away after the birth, there is no pain involved.

· Cord stem cell banking is very helpful when you need transplants for the parents or for a sibling also. Patients who requires bone marrow transplant faces plenty of risks. This is because the transplant may be rejected by the body. Chances of stem cell rejection are very rare. It can be used in the treatment of diseases like leukemia, brain tumors, cell disorders and congenital disturbances of the immune system.

And now the cons

· Of course, if there are no cases of genetically transmitted diseases in your family, you will not stand to gain a lot from cord stem cell banking.

· It doesn’t come cheap. You should be prepared to fork out at least $2000 up front, with a $100 yearly maintenance cost. If you do not really run a risk of a genetic disease, these are costs you need not bear!

How do I choose a Cord stem cell banking facility?

It’s simple. Once you have decided on banking the stem cells, ask yourself these questions:

· Would you like to go for public banking or a private facility?

· Is the bank stable?

· Consider the number of processed samples that the facility handles. Chances are, the more samples they have to handle, the better the infrastructure and service is.

· Can you choose a different facility later?

· What are the costs involved? What are the up front fees as well as the yearly maintenance cost? Are they affordable?

· How will these costs affect your savings in the long run? Whether these costs are fixed or subject to change?

· Will you need to compromise on anything in order to ensure cord stem cell banking?

Cord stem cell banking is an important, albeit tough decision to make. Consider all the factors before you decide on what is right for you.