If you have decided to preserve your baby’s umbilical cord blood as a safeguard against future health issues, it is essential to find the right cord blood bank to store it for several years or a lifetime. There are many public and private banks offering different cord blood storage services at different rates. The private ones generally charge more, but many parents choose to go with a private cord blood bank since it may offer them the specific services they need and be more reliable and with better and more advanced processing and storage technologies.

Cord bank reliability is an essential consideration when looking at bank options. It is crucial that the bank handles, transports, and processes the cord blood, tissue, or extracted stem cells and immune cells correctly and stores them at the right temperature to keep them in a viable state for years. Otherwise, they will not be of any use for future medical and research purposes. You can also go for an affordable cord blood banking storage $19.99/month plan.

Five Things to Consider While Choosing a Private Cord Blood Bank

You should start looking for a cord blood bank at least four to six weeks before the delivery of your baby. Here are five things to consider while choosing a private cord blood bank:

1. Services

The cord blood bank must collect, analyze, process, store, and deliver cord blood, cord tissue, and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). It must have a well-trained and experienced staff that can handle the cord blood with all necessary safety precautions. Additionally, the cord blood bank must function 24/7 as you may need to deposit or collect the cord blood at any hour of the day or night.

You should check their inventory to see how many cord blood units they have stored and released for therapeutic purposes since they began operating. That can give you an idea of their experience. They should also offer you an insurance policy on their storage services. Additionally, ask about their shipment procedures and the temperatures at which they store the cord blood to keep it viable for the long term.

2. Accreditations

You should also review the bank’s accreditations from credible public bodies like the FDA, the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), and the Department of Health. These can guarantee that the bank complies with the industry’s standard rules, guidelines, and regulations for safe and proper handling and storage.

3. Technologies

High-tech facilities are essential for gathering, processing, storing, and accessing cord blood samples. Some of the technologies to look out for are AXP II Processing, MCASS Processing, BioArchive Smart Robotics Tank, MVE Tank, and Segmented Tissue Storage. The cord blood bank must also be able to scale up with technological advancements.

Additionally, the bank will need reliable power backup to keep the automated technology and the cryogenic freezers functioning even if there is power loss. That can help ensure the proper storage of the biological materials and their long-term viability. By selecting a bank with the most advanced technologies, you can safely store high-quality cord blood cells to safeguard your child’s future.

4. Pricing

Pricing is another important factor in choosing a private cord blood bank. It will differ according to the storage plans the bank offers and what you select. For instance, you might choose an annual, 20-year, or lifetime storage plan with different storage technologies and optional services like genetic testing and immune cell banking. Ideally, the private cord blood bank should state its rates clearly. It is advisable to inquire at the start if there are any hidden charges. You should also compare the prices and services of different banks to find the one best suited for your needs.

5. Location

The location is crucial to selecting a private cord blood bank for long-term storage. You want a facility that is not too far from your area so that you can deposit and collect the cord blood without too many delays. You also want the bank to be in a location that is not in danger from natural disasters like floods, landslides, earthquakes, wildfires, and hurricanes. It should also be safe from man-made catastrophes like fires, riots, and wars. The bank should be a well-protected and well-built facility that will possibly remain in good condition for many years.