|
Cord
Blood Banking Resources
The term ‘Cord Blood Banking’ refers to the collection, processing and
preservation of blood obtained from the Umbilical Cord and placenta of a
baby after birth. The procedure for Cord Blood Banking is completely
painless for mother and infant and poses no physical risks. Umbilical Cord
Blood is valuable medically because it contains ‘stem cells’.
Stem cells are cells that are not yet highly specialized. Stem cells can
be transformed into more differentiated cells such as red blood cells
which transport oxygen through the body, white blood cells, which combat
infection, or platelets which are instrumental in blood clotting. Stem
cells obtained from Umbilical Cord Blood can be used to treat literally
dozens of life-threatening diseases including certain types of cancer,
blood diseases, genetic diseases, metabolic diseases, and
immunodeficiencies. Deciding whether Cord Blood Banking is right for you
can be a simple or more complex decision depending on your circumstances.
Private Cord Blood Banks market their services to parents as an ‘insurance
policy’ against potential future illness. The initial cost for collection
and processing of Cord Blood ranges from approximately $900 to $1800.
There are many private cord blood banks to choose from. Some are licensed
while others are unlicensed. The Umbilical Cord Blood Banking companies on
this page are some of the leaders in the industry and if you are
considering Cord Blood Banking they may be a good place to start.
|