What is Cord Blood Banking?
Umbilical cord blood, which is typically discarded after birth, contains a large amount of blood stem cells. In recent years, cord blood stem cells have been successfully used in the treatment of certain cancers, bone marrow failure, hemoglobinopathies (i.e. sickle cell disease), immune diseases, and/or genetic metabolic conditions. Although the number of diseases treatable by cord blood transplantation will likely increase in the future, it is important to note that cord blood stem cells cannot be used in the treatment of many diseases.
Due to the potential benefits, some individuals choose to have their baby's cord blood collected, processed, frozen and stored - otherwise known as cord blood banking. There are two types of cord blood banking: private cord blood banking and public cord blood banking.
- Private cord blood banking involves storing a baby's cord blood for his/her own future use or for use by a family member if needed.
- Public cord blood banking (also called cord blood donating) involves donating a baby's cord blood so that it is available to anyone in need of a transplant and/or may be used for quality improvement or research purposes. Donated cord blood most likely cannot be retrieved for personal purposes.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) policy statement, "Cord Blood Banking for Potential Future Transplantation," the AAP encourages public cord blood donation for use by other individuals in need (if banks are available in the area). Private cord blood banking for later personal or family use as a general "insurance policy" is discouraged by the AAP, as the chance of a child needing his/her own cord blood stem cells in the future ranges from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 200,000.
Cord Blood Banking Considerations
Here are some considerations that may be useful when considering private or public cord blood banking:
- Does the provider charge any fees (such as enrollment, collection and/or annual fees)?
- Is there someone in the family with a medical condition that could potentially benefit from cord blood transplantation?
- For how long can the provider offer cord blood storage?
- Does the provider make clear both the potential benefits and limitations of cord blood banking and transplantation?
- Does the provider make available to the public their financial disclosures and conflict-of-interest policies?
- Does the provider comply with national accreditation standards developed by the Federal Trade Commission, the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state agencies?
All parents should consult a physician in order to make an informed decision on whether cord blood banking (private or public) is right for them.
Cord Blood Banking Providers
Cord blood banking facilities have different standards and policies, which should always be reviewed before ordering.
Public cord blood banks can be located by contacting a local hospital, major university hospital or medical center to see if they accept cord blood donations or are affiliated with a public cord blood bank.
Private cord blood banks can be found online (over the internet). Go to the Tests tab to link to the best providers, compare providers and read provider reviews.