There are several decisions, a woman has to make before delivering the baby. At present, the trending topic is cord blood, which is to be planned before the delivery of the baby, and whether you are interested in preserving it. However, the cost is too high, and you need to understand the possibility before finalizing it.
 |
Introduction
Cord blood is rich in stem cells, and it comes automatically with a newborn umbilical cord. The blood preservation is not only useful for the baby, but also for the siblings, and other members of the family. The preservation is extremely useful, when someone in the family is facing diabetes, Leukemia, or Parkinson disease, which is extremely tough to cure.
Procedure
There are some strict procedures required, when the cord blood is to be collected from the baby. The blood has to be collected from 10-15 minutes after the delivery. Additionally, the entire procedure of preservation has to be completed within 30-35 minutes. This requires a lot of expertise, and private facilities are best for this operation. However, you can also consider public back facilities, if they have the required infrastructure, and staff. You will find several experts around the globe, but they will charge you huge money for the procedure.
Annual Storage Fees, and One-Time Fees
Majority of private cord blood bank across the world would charge you a one-time fee, and then you have to pay a fixed amount, as an annual fee. The annual fees are very similar to what you have to pay for banker’s locker. The cord blood banking facilities generally charge an amount of $160-190$ every year, depending on their geographical location. However, you have to pay a one-time processing charge for the collection, and preservation. The one-time fees are around $1200, and you have to pay the total cost with annual processing fees. You need to use your math to make the right decision. If the one-time cost is $1200, and you are preserving it for 20 years for 170$ annual fee, then you have to pay $4600. You need to decide, if you can afford this amount.
Advance Planning
There are several factors; you should consider before finalizing the decision. As mentioned above, the cost is too high, and you have to plan well-ahead to meet the costs.
Stem Cells- As per recent surveys and research carried out by medical institutes, the probability of the baby or the member of the family using the stem cells is less than one in 2700.
Not Stored Cord Blood- The cost is extremely high, and many of them do not prefer cord blood banking. However, you can still find the match in public or private blood storage systems. If you need stem cells in the future, the probability of getting the right match is 82 out of 100, which is still high.
Curing Patients with more than 100 Pounds- You need to understand that the stem cells found in cord cells, may not be sufficient to treat patients or adults, whose weight is more than 100 pounds.
Genetic Problems- There are several diseases, which are generic in nature, and may pose a threat to life, if they are not cured at the right time. Hence, it is in individual best interest to check their medical history before making the decision.
Lastly, you need to understand, that stem cells may not be the solution of all the deadly diseases. Some genetic diseases cannot be cured by stem cells. If you are planning to bank your baby cord blood; you need to plan ahead of time. You need to think more than just budget, and perform research before making the right decision.
