What Is Umbilical Cord Blood and Why Is It Valuable?

Umbilical cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after childbirth. This blood contains hematopoietic stem cells—specialized cells capable of developing into different types of blood cells. Unlike embryonic stem cells, cord blood stem cells don’t raise ethical concerns since they’re collected after birth from tissue that would otherwise be discarded. These stem cells have been used successfully to treat various diseases including blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and certain cancers. The collection process is painless and poses no risk to either mother or baby, making it an attractive option for parents looking to potentially safeguard their child’s future health.

How Cord Blood Banking Works: Collection to Storage

The cord blood collection process begins immediately after birth but doesn’t interfere with delivery or early bonding. Once the baby is delivered and the cord is clamped and cut, a healthcare provider draws blood from the umbilical cord using a specialized kit provided by the banking facility. This collected blood is then sealed in a sterile bag and transported to the storage facility where it undergoes processing to isolate and preserve the stem cells.

For long-term storage, cord blood stem cells are mixed with a cryopreservative solution and slowly frozen using controlled-rate freezing technology. This methodical freezing process is crucial for maintaining cell viability. Once properly frozen, the cord blood units are transferred to liquid nitrogen storage tanks where they can theoretically be preserved for decades. Throughout this process, the samples undergo testing for contamination, viability, and cell count to ensure quality preservation.

Private Cord Blood Banking vs. Public Donation: Making the Choice

Private cord blood banking involves storing your baby’s cord blood exclusively for your family’s potential future use. This option typically requires initial collection fees plus annual storage payments. The primary advantage is guaranteed availability should your child or a compatible family member need it for treatment.

Public cord blood donation, conversely, makes the cord blood available to anyone who needs it. This option is typically free for donors, with costs covered by the public bank. However, the donated cord blood becomes property of the bank and isn’t reserved for the donor family. Public donation contributes to scientific research and helps patients without matching donors in their families.

The decision between private and public banking depends on several factors: family medical history, financial resources, and personal values. Families with histories of conditions treatable with stem cells may find private banking more appealing, while those without specific risk factors might prefer donation to benefit the wider community.

Potential Medical Applications of Cord Blood Stem Cells

Cord blood stem cells have established applications in treating approximately 80 diseases, primarily blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and certain cancers. These include leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia. The stem cells can help rebuild a patient’s blood and immune system after treatments like chemotherapy that destroy these cells.

Research into expanded applications continues to develop. Scientists are investigating cord blood stem cells’ potential for treating cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, diabetes, and brain injuries. While many of these applications remain experimental, clinical trials have shown promising results in some areas. For instance, research has demonstrated improvements in certain children with cerebral palsy following their own cord blood infusions.

The advantage of using one’s own cord blood (autologous use) is the perfect genetic match, which eliminates the risk of graft-versus-host disease. However, for some genetic conditions, a patient’s own cord blood isn’t suitable since it carries the same genetic issue requiring treatment.

Costs and Considerations for Private Cord Blood Banking

Private cord blood banking involves significant financial commitment. Initial collection and processing fees typically range from $1,500 to $2,500, with annual storage fees between $100 and $300. Some companies offer prepaid plans covering 20 years of storage, usually at a discounted rate compared to annual payments.

The table below compares several established private cord blood banks operating in the United States:

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Company	Initial Collection/Processing Fee	Annual Storage Fee	Special Features
Cord Blood Registry	$1,750-$2,350	$185-$350	Also offers tissue banking; financing available
ViaCord	$1,900-$2,300	$175-$350	Sibling donor program; payment plans
Cryo-Cell	$1,600-$2,000	$150-$300	Multi-service discounts; 24/7 customer service
FamilyCord	$1,650-$2,100	$125-$195	Medical courier transport; quality guarantee
LifebankUSA	$1,750-$2,250	$150-$225	Placental blood banking option; payment options

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Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Additional costs to consider include collection kit shipping fees, annual storage rate increases, and potential early withdrawal penalties. Some banks offer discounts for prepayment, multiple births, or military families. Insurance rarely covers these expenses, though some flexible spending accounts may allow reimbursement for the medical portion of collection fees.

Making an Informed Decision About Cord Blood Storage

The decision to bank cord blood is personal and should be based on thorough research and consideration of various factors. Medical experts generally recommend private banking when there’s a family history of diseases treatable with stem cells. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports public donation but suggests private banking primarily when there’s an identified need in the family.

When evaluating cord blood banks, consider their accreditations, particularly AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks) and FDA registration. Ask about their success rates with transplants using their stored units, financial stability, and contingency plans if they cease operations. Look into their processing methods as technologies that capture more stem cells may provide better therapeutic potential.

Timing is essential—arrangements must be made well before delivery, ideally by the beginning of the third trimester. Discussing the option with healthcare providers can provide additional insights specific to individual circumstances and medical histories.

With appropriate research and consideration of both medical and financial factors, expectant parents can make choices about cord blood banking that align with their family’s needs, values, and resources.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.