Family cord blood banks offer services which vary in price. However, a typical cord blood banking cost will usually range between fourteen hundred to twenty-three hundred dollars. Also, you may need to pay a yearly storage fee of one hundred and fifteen to one hundred and fifty dollars.
Banks do provide payment plan options which may be utilized in order to pay the cord blood banking cost. For example, you may select a no-interest installment plan which is paid out over three or four months or go for longer-term payment which includes interest charges. Talk to your financial services provider if you need more information.
Now that we’ve answered the question, “how much is cord blood banking?” let’s talk about exactly what cord blood banking is and how it works. We’ll outline the definition of this process and then discuss its primary benefits. Then, we’ll conclude with some more relevant facts about this form of stem cell banking.
What is Cord Blood Banking Cost, Anyway?
Cord blood banking cost is the price for collection, processing and “Cryo-preserving” (via controlled freezing) of an infant’s cord blood. This is blood which is derived from the umbilical cord and it is rich in stem cells. The rationale behind paying for this service is that this cord blood may be utilized in order to treat a baby’s illnesses later on.
Blood from the umbilical cord may also be utilized in order to treat other members of a family – this will depend on certain variables. Most people pay for the blood storage in order to gain “insurance” against future health problems with their baby. While the jury is still out in terms of the overall value of cord blood banking, a lot of people believe in it and they are willing to pay for it.
In light of the healing potential of cord blood and its powerful stem cells, the cost of cord blood banking isn’t really that high. It’s an investment in future health and well-being. This is the reason why so many people choose to participate in cord blood banking programs. They would rather use family blood for medical treatments, versus the blood of strangers, and they also recognize the power of stem cells.
Stem cells are mother cells which are able to morph into any sort of cell in the human body. These cells have the power to self-renew.
New medical treatments which utilize stem cells show great promise and there will likely be more wonderful breakthroughs in this controversial area of science and medicine in the future. Examples of diseases which are currently treatable via stem cell transplants include leukemia, sickle cell anemia and lymphoma.
Who Should Use This Service?
Anyone may sign up for this service. However, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this service to those who have family members with diseases which may benefit from treatment with stem cells. An infant’s cord blood will sometimes be a good match for an ill family member – the odds are higher that a related infant’s blood will be a match, rather than the blood of an infant (or other person) that isn’t a part of the family.
Cord blood stem cells will be genetically unique and they will be there when your child or family member needs them.
However, it’s not mandatory to have a family member with a disease in order to qualify for this service. It’s something that any parent of a newborn may opt for. There are some things to think about in advance of choosing this service.
You should start the process by discussing private cord blood banking with your doctor or midwife/practitioner. If you’re the mom-to-be, it’s best to bring the topic up during the 2nd trimester. This will ensure that you have plenty of time to finalize your decision, without feeling rushed or pressured to make up your mind. So, think ahead and talk about it!
Next, ask your doctor/practitioner if he/she is OK with collecting the blood from your baby’s umbilical cord. Most doctors and midwives are happy to do so – however, they may charge for this service, so you should inquire about rates if this is the case. Chances are that rates for this service will be fairly affordable – however, it’s good to know exactly how much you’ll need to pay.
This procedure may not be covered under your medical insurance or medical plan. This is something else that you may want to look into – just check with your medical insurance/plan provider in order to find out if coverage is available for cord blood extraction.
At this point, you’ll be ready to check out cord blood banks. You should seek out accredited banks which are in good standing with the industry’s governing body, The American Association of Blood Banks. When you do so, you’ll access the cream of the crop and you’ll know that you’re choosing reputable blood banks with very strong and positive reputations. This governing body only approves the best. Visit the official website of the American Association of Blood Banks to find out more.
Once you’ve selected this type of bank, you should pay for the service and then await a collection kit, which you’ll need to give to your doctor or whoever will be assisting you in childbirth. This kit is something that your doctor or practitioner will use in order to collect the blood. Afterwards, it will need to be sent in to the blood bank. Full instructions should be provided, so it will be easy to utilize the kit properly.
Once the blood is received, it will be processed carefully and stored for later use. Before you sign on for this service, read the fine print on your contract, as it will detail all important elements of the transaction, such as how long the cord blood will be stored for.
Then, move forward by making a firm decision about whether or not to pay for cord blood storage, which will include the price of a cord blood collection kit.
Is This Service Right for You?
Cord blood banking services are out there. You may research them via the Internet in order to find out more information about how they work. It may be possible to find cord blood banking services in your area. However, since blood collection kits may be mailed in, you won’t be limited to using cord blood banks which are close to where you live. This is great news for those who don’t live close to areas with these types of blood banks.
At this point, you have all of the hard facts about what this service is and why people choose it. You know that it’s not cheap, although it definitely offers something special for the price, which is insurance against health problems.
You also know how to approach the issue of cord blood collection with a doctor or practitioner and when to do so during your pregnancy. Hopefully, all of this practical information will help you to make a smart decision about whether or not this cutting-edge procedure is worth paying for.
If you’re concerned about the health of a family member with a disease, this procedure may provide you with exceptional peace of mind. It will also help you to know that your baby is able to access stem cell treatments when it grows older. These are the best reasons to pay for this service and more and more parents are making the decision to utilize these services.
The process of collecting cord blood is something that any competent doctor or practitioner can manage. It’s not complex, although, some doctors and practitioners may not agree to perform this procedure.
If you are really interested in collecting cord blood and your doctor or practitioner says no, you may be able to switch doctors or practitioners. Where there is a will, there is a way…the best way to know where you stand is to check with your doctor or practitioner early in your pregnancy. While most people wait until the second trimester, you may bring it up earlier if you want to.
We hope that our comprehensive guide gives you the power to make a wise and informed decision about whether or not cord blood bank services are right for you. As a mom or dad-to-be, you have a lot of decisions on the horizon. Getting organized during the gestation period will ensure that you have ample time to research choices and make smart ones.
Cord blood, which is so rich in vital and powerful stem cells, is a precious gift of Mother Nature. Today’s doctors and scientists are learning how to put this gift to use, with a mind to treating or healing diseases. The possibilities are limitless as stem cell technology is moving forward each and every day.
If you have your baby’s stem cells saved in a secure and reputable cord blood bank, they may be utilized in order to treat or heal diseases if they are needed. If you don’t store them, it’s too late.