Cord Blood Banking (Today update) – How are the Bloods Collected?
Introduction
If you are an expectant parent or new parent, you have probably heard about cord blood banking. It’s a medical procedure, and can be used to bank cord blood for later use.
But what about the total cost of the procedure?
Is it painful?
Can cord blood storage or banking be beneficial?
These questions have been answered through this blog. It is hoped that it will help you understand the process of cord blood banking.
What is Cord blood banking?
After the birth of your child, stem cells from the cord and tissues can be taken and stored in cryogenic storage. It can be kept for up to:
- Five years.
- Ten years.
- Twenty years.
Some banks might be more flexible. Ask them at the beginning about what they offer.
What’s the cost?
While cord blood banking can seem expensive, particularly if you keep the blood in a private institution, there are some cord banks that offer lower pricing. An example of this is AlphaCord, which offers its services at USD 250/year.
The price range you choose to store your blood can affect how much it costs. You will typically need to spend more if you store blood for longer periods of time.
Many companies will also require an upfront payment in order to offer their 20-year service. You might also be charged more for this service.
How are the Bloods Collected?
Considering collecting and storing your Cord Blood? It’s important that you notify your doctor and the hospital. You can also ask them to order a cord collection kit or any other special equipment. Sometimes, all of this equipment will be offered by the bank.
You should notify the hospital six weeks before your due date to inform them about your decision to store cord blood. Also, don’t forget to sign the consent forms.
The process of cord blood collection is straightforward and painless.
The healthcare professional will first clamp your umbilical chord after the baby is born. After that, they’ll cut it correctly. Next, the healthcare professional will use a tiny needle to draw out blood and then store it in a designated bag. It is possible that the process will end in about 10 minutes.
Some cases will not allow for the removal of cord blood.
- You should not select a facility offering the cord collection.
- The doctors will not be able to cut the cord if your baby is too premature.
- If an emergency happens after or during delivery, your doctor might prioritize saving the life both of the mother-baby.
How does blood get stored?
Once blood has been collected, it must then be carefully stored in a preservation center. This is a case where each facility follows a different protocol. For more information about cord blood banking, talk to them.
The normal process for cord blood collection follows this procedure:
- First, the blood is drawn from your umbilical chord using a small needle.
- Next, the blood and tissues are wrapped in a medically-curated container. This is done to protect the blood from cross-contamination as it’s being stored.
- All specimens are preserved at 170-degrees Celsius (or 274-degrees Fahrenheit) using cryogenic preservation techniques.
Is Cord Blood Banking Beneficial?
The stem cells in your cord blood can treat most health conditions, including certain cancers and immunological diseases. If you store the blood in a private facility, it can only be used for your family. You will have to claim it yourself.
Your bone marrow is more difficult to obtain stem cells than your bone tissue. Cord blood can also strengthen your immune system. While someone is being treated for cancer, cord blood can be of great benefit.
The Bottom Line
When done correctly, cord blood banking can provide many benefits. How you do it depends on several factors, such as your financial situation and your medical needs. Talking to a specialist in healthcare can help you make the right decision.
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