Stem Cell Banking – 5 Facts You Need To Know
Cord blood is the main source for gathering stem cells. This highly valuable blood can be retreived from the umbilical cord soon after birth. 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? You’ll find details and all the information you need to know before you start considering to choose a stem cell bank.
The pros for stem cells first
· It’s simple really. With cord stem cell banking, you provide treatment options for the future. You can provide your kid with healthy cells that can help cure life threatening diseases. There are a number of diseases like leukemia, heart disease and spinal cord injuries that can be treated with these transplants.
· Cord stem cell banking does not involve any injury or pain to the mother or the child. There is no pain involved for the baby since the cells are taken from the umbilical cord that has already been cut out.
· Cord stem cell banking is very helpful when you need transplants for the parents or for a sibling also. Patients have to face high risks when undergoing bone marrow transplant. This is due to the possible rejection of the transplant by the host body. The chances of a stem cell rejection are remote. 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. Be prepared to pay $2000 for the banking, and then roughly $100 per year after that. 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 very 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?
· Check how big the facility is – facilities that handles large numbers of samples are more likely to have better procedures and infrastructure to handle the cells.
· Can you choose a different facility later?
· What are the costs involved? What is the lump sum you have to pay and what about the yearly fee? Are those 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 not an easy decision to take-but it is an important one. Consider all the factors before you decide on what is right for you.











