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Cord blood is the main source for gathering stem cells. This highly valuable blood can be retreived from the umbilical cord soon after birth. Chances are you’ve already heard many people talking about stem cell transplant and why you need to bank them. Do you seriously need this? And if you do, what else do you need to think about before deciding on a bank? You’ll find details and all the information you need to know before you start considering to choose a stem cell bank.

The stem cells pros first

· It’s simple really. You are providing yourself with better treatment alternatives by storing your stem cells. 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. Since the cells are sourced at the umbilical cord that is thrown away after the birth, there is no pain involved.

· 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. This is due to the possible rejection of the transplant by the host body. Chances of stem cell rejection are very rare. 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. Expect to pay at least 00 at first and then around a 0 a year for maintenance. 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 simple. 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? Are these costs fixed or are they subject to change?

· Will you need to compromise on anything in order to ensure cord stem cell banking?

Cord stem cell banking is not an easy decision to take-but it is an important one. Consider all the factors before you decide on what is right for you.

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