Cord blood is the main source for gathering stem cells. This highly valuable blood can be retreived from the umbilical cord soon after birth. You must have heard a lot about stem cell transplants and the need for banking your stem cells. Do you really, really need it? If you do, what are the things you should consider before choosing a bank? Not only will you get details on cord stem cell banking, but all the info you’ll need to consider before choosing a bank.

The pros for stem cells first

· It’s simple really. With cord stem cell banking, you provide treatment options for the future. Stem cells can provide your children with healthy cells to help treat against 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. The cells required is taken from the umbilical cord after the birth, therefore there is absoluteny no pain or risk for your baby.

· Cord stem cell banking is very helpful when you need transplants for the parents or for a sibling also. When a patient needs a bone marrow transplant, he faces a lot of risk. There is a chance that the body may reject the transplant. It’s rare for a stem cell to be rejected. 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 00 for the banking, and then roughly 0 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 easy. 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?

· Consider the number of processed samples at the facility- larger sample handling means that there are more hands involved in the procedure and better infrastructure.

· Can you choose a different facility later?

· What are the costs involved? What are the up front fees as well as the yearly maintenance cost? 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 an important, albeit tough decision to make. Consider all the factors before you decide on what is right for you.