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Overview
The lifeline of an unborn baby is the umbilical cord. Once an infant makes his entrance into the world, the umbilical cord is no longer needed. However, instead of simply discarding it, umbilical cord blood can be collected and donated. Cord blood is rich in cells that can be used in transplants for people with leukemia, immune disorders and other life-threatening diseases. The process is completely safe and pain-free. Cord blood units are banked and quickly available for use. For patients who are in dire need of a transplant, cord blood can truly be a lifesaver.
Public Banking
There is no cost to the donor when cord blood is donated to a public bank. The unit is not reserved for your family in this instance and becomes available to anyone who may need a transplant. The bank covers the costs of processing, testing and storing the blood. If standards are met (enough cells, disease free), the unit is tissue typed and frozen for future use. The process is confidential, and a recipient never receives any information about the donor.
Private Family Banking
Fees associated with private cord blood banking may influence your donation decision. If genetics indicate a possible disorder, this is a treatment alternative. Cord blood will be available for use by your family when and if the need arises, and you have control over its use. On average, companies charge an initial fee of $1,200 to $2,500, which includes enrollment, collection and typing, and storage for the first year. After that, you pay an annual fee for storage based on a predetermined period, usually $125 per year. Commercial cord blood banks commonly offer discounted prepaid plans and payment options to make private banking a more affordable choice. These costs are not covered by insurance plans.
Earmark Cord Blood for a Specific Person
The cost to save your baby's umbilical cord blood for a specific family member with a medical need varies. If your unborn child or sibling needs a transplant, you can take advantage of a free or low-cost donor program that is available at many hospitals across the country. Collection and storage for directed donation are also offered through public and family cord blood banks if medically necessary.
Cord Blood for Research Purposes
There is no cost to donate umbilical cord blood for research purposes. This blood is not stored for transplants, but is studied in laboratories to improve the process for future patients. Some cord blood units do not contain enough blood-forming cells to ensure suitability for a transplant, but they can be used for research. No collection cost is involved.
Future Developments
The use of cord blood is being studied as a possible treatment for cerebral palsy.
