When you are pregnant, it is likely that your doctor’s office will give you an information packet about cord blood banking. After your baby is born, the blood from the umbilical cord can be stored for up to ten years in cryogenically sealed containers. Cord blood is rich in high quality stem cells, which can be used to treat many different diseases. These diseases include certain types of cancers, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative disorders, marrow failure syndromes, blood disorders, inherited platelet abnormalities, histiocytic disorders, inherited metabolic disorders, immune deficiencies, and other diseases like osteoporosis.
Cord blood can either be donated or stored for personal use, as a sort of “insurance policy.” Personal cord blood banking is often recommended to patients whose families have a history of diseases that can be treated with stem cells. It is important to remember however, that while there are many diseases that can be treated with stem cells, these diseases are rare and often treated using other methods. Private cord blood banking can get pretty expensive. Doctors often discourage patients from private banking unless there is a sibling who might benefit from the stem cells. If a need does arise, most often a match can be found from the public bank.
Donation on the other hand, is done at no charge to the patient. The cord blood is added to a public database for use by hospitals by request when there is a need. Donating cord blood has absolutely no negative affects on you or your baby. The blood is not taken from your baby; the blood is collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after your baby is born. Your name and information will be completely confidential; the cord blood will only be identified by a number.
Whether you choose to store your cord blood privately or donate it, arrangements need to be made early on while you are expecting. If you are planning to donate, you should contact the cord blood bank by your 34th week of pregnancy. You may need to make arrangements sooner if you are planning to store your cord blood privately. You may decide to neither donate or privately store your cord blood. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for your family.