There are three major factors to check out for before picking a bank for cord blood banking or registry.
Price
Private cord blood banks are NOT free. They charge somewhere around dollar 2,000 for collection. Then, there is a dollar 100 annual fee for storage of the sample. However, there are some banks that provide highly reduced rates, sometimes free storage, in cases where a child needs an immediate transplant. Contact various banks and know their prices. Each one has a price difference. Choose one that fits your budget. But, do not change your mind regarding saving your cord blood just because of the price factor. Life is more precious than dollars!
Location
Private banks are sprawled in every nook and corner of the country. Therefore, you should have no difficulty in finding one near your locality. Moreover, several hospitals are associated with private banks, especially the delivery centers. So, you can consult your doctor or midwife regarding this matter. Once you select a bank, its a good idea to have a discussion with its staff. They are competent professionals who can answer your questions and provide you with further information in this field.
Reputation
You have chosen your bank, but is it reputable. Your question can be answered by AABB, American Association of Blood Banks. This association keeps an eye on blood banks throughout the country, offering the certificate of accreditation to them just like that offered to universities. So, before you give your final nod, check out with the AABB about the accreditation of your bank and whether they are any complaints lodged against it by other donors or recipients. After all, you do not want to give your precious babys cord blood to just any bank down the corner, do you.
The most important thing to remember while choosing a private cord blood bank is to keep an open mind. Talk to your doctor about it; take an appointment with the banks trained staff. If there are people around you who have donated cord blood, then speak to them about it. You might dig out certain facts from their experience.
In short, do not jump into decisions blindly or in haste. Relax, research on the internet, and remember to consult people around you. Remember, you are about to take one of the major decisions of your life.
