Cord Blood Bank

Cord blood banking

Cord blood banking systems have created a revolution in transplant medicine. Scientists see immense potential, in the way cord blood banking can be used in the storage of stem cells, for treatment of blood and immune system related diseases in the future. They are strongly supportive, of setting up cord blood banking systems that store the cord blood, extracted from the umbilical cord and placenta at the time of the birth of a child. The process of collection of cord blood is also done through the cord blood banking network. Cord blood banks can be private banks or public banks.

Who runs the private cord blood banks? What are the governmental regulations relating to setting up of these banks?

Private cord blood banking networks are set up by private organizations for the collection and storage of cord blood. Public cord blood banking is controlled and monitored by the Government. From 2004 all cord blood banking systems have to register with the FDA, and to comply with rules regarding donor eligibility and processing of blood and tissues. Some of these banks are free paying members of AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) but this does not confer them with full accreditation. So you should check whether your private cord blood banking center is registered with the FDA.

More factors to consider

What other factors should I take into consideration when selecting a cord blood bank?
It is important to know the success rate for collection and storage of cord blood in these cord blood banking systems. You should also enquire whether stored cord blood of the bank has been used for successful transplant. If not, it could be indicative of the fact that the storage methodologies are not up to the mark and surgeons have rejected the cord blood units of the cord blood banking center.
You should also enquire into the financial stability and profitability of the bank. If the fund flow is poor, the upkeep and maintenance is likely to be affected and the stored cord blood could become contaminated and useless. Moreover, financial stability is a guarantee that the bank will be around for a long time.

How do cord blood banks store the cord blood?

Cord blood is stored in vials or blood bags. Accredited cord blood banking centers must compulsorily store the cord blood in bags. Experts point out that cord blood storage bags can break during long term storage and it is better to store them in vials. It would be in your interest to look for a cord blood banking center that stores cord blood in small batches, rather than in a single vial or bag. This will safeguard you against the possibility of losing all the stored cord blood in case of contamination or breakage. Even if one breaks you will still have the others to fall back upon.

Who can use it?

Cord blood stored in cord blood banking centers, by private families and individuals can be used only by family members. Cord blood stored in public cord blood banking centers, is available for the use of any patient who requires transplants of matching cord blood stem cells.

Where and when do I get information about Private cord blood banks?

You can get information about cord blood banking systems by researching on the Internet, from ads, flyers and other media sources. You will have to start your search for information very early in the pregnancy term so that you have sufficient time to weigh your options and select the bank you want to register with.