How do you access cord blood?
Cord blood is collected by your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or the staff at the hospital where you give birth. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut and clamped. Blood is drawn from the cord with a needle that has a bag attached. The process takes about 10 minutes.
How much does it cost to register cord blood?
The annual cord tissue storage fee is an additional $175.
...
Annual Storage Fee.
| Service |
Annual Fee |
| Cord Blood |
$175 |
| Cord Blood & Cord Tissue |
$350 |
How long does cord blood banking last?
Immediately after birth, cord blood is removed from the clamped-off umbilical cord. After that, the blood is frozen and stored (or "banked") for future use. When stored properly, cord blood can remain viable for more than 20 years. Though cord blood banking has gotten more attention in recent years, it isn't new.
Is cord blood and tissue banking worth it?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics don't recommend routine cord blood storage. The groups say private banks should be used only when there's a sibling with a medical condition who could benefit from the stem cells.
How much does cord blood save cost?
Private cord blood banking is expensive. You will pay a starting fee of about $1,000 to $2,000, plus a storage fee of more than $100 a year for as long as the blood is stored. If you want to save the cord blood, you must arrange for it ahead of time.
What diseases can cord blood treat?
As of today, the use of cord blood has proven to be effective in helping treat nearly 80 conditions including: cancers, blood disorders, bone marrow failure syndromes, metabolic disorders, and immune disorders.
Is cord blood banking covered by insurance?
Cord blood banking is not covered by most insurance plans. However, families with a history of leukemia or other FDA approved conditions and an immediate need for a stem cell transplant may be eligible for insurance to cover some portion of the cord blood banking expense.
Is saving cord blood worth it?
Doctors do not recommend that you bank cord blood on the slight chance that your baby will need stem cells someday. If your baby were to need stem cells, he or she would probably need stem cells from someone else rather than his or her own stem cells.
How many times can you use cord blood?
Myth: Stored cord blood has a limited “shelf-life.” Fact: Theoretically, properly frozen and stored cord blood may remain useful for a lifetime. This isn't known for certain, however, because cord blood banking has existed for fewer than 30 years.