Cord Blood Preservation
Cord blood is blood from the umbilical cord, which contains stem cells. Cord blood preservation is something many parents are interested in and that they see as a way to obtain peace of mind about their child's future health.
The Importance of Cord Blood
Stem cells are considered important because they can be used in the treatment of at least forty-five diseases (according to the American Pregnancy Association). Many families choose to preserve their child's cord blood should it ever be needed to treat a disease developed by the child. Cord blood is more compatible than blood from family members or unrelated donors. It can be used not only for the child but also for other family members. There is a 25 percent chance of a match for a sibling.
Despite the popularity of cord blood preservation, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents bank their child's blood only if there is a family member with a current or potential need for a stem cell transplant. In other cases, the AAP calls cord blood storage “unwise.”
Companies that store cord blood advocate the process because the umbilical cord stem cells are genetically identical to the baby from whose placenta they were derived, and stem cells in general have a lower risk of rejection should a stem cell transplant be needed. The problem with cord blood has to do with genetics. Most diseases that would benefit from stem cell transplantation have a genetic basis. In those cases, the stem cells from the cord blood would harbor the same genetic disease and would not be useful.
Additionally, the chances of a child needing a stem cell transplant is very small, about one in 1,400. On the other hand, umbilical cord stem cells derived from public banks can and have been used in many instances and show great promise. Because of all of this, many authorities feel that there is not a compelling case for private banking of umbilical cord blood. At the same time, the case for donating of umbilical cord stem cells to public banks is excellent.
Harvesting Cord Blood
Cord blood is harvested from the umbilical cord when the cord is cut after birth. A needle is used to drain the cord blood, and there is no pain involved for mother or baby. The container holding the blood is then transported to a special storage facility. Often the blood is tested upon arrival, and a report is sent to the parents.
Cord Blood Contracts
If you decide that you want your baby's cord blood harvested and preserved, you need to make arrangements while you are pregnant, well before the birth. You should research the companies that offer this service, select one, sign a contract, and make financial arrangements. The average cost of a cord blood contract is $1,500 up front plus a storage fee of $100 per month. You need to obtain the cord blood collection kit and make sure it comes with you to the hospital or birth center. The hospital staff will handle the collection, and the cord blood company arranges for transport of the specimen.
If you're interested in cord blood donation, contact the National Cord Blood Donation Program (
If you decide to bank your baby's blood, make sure that you get a clear explanation of all fees and that all services are described in full. Ask about mechanisms that are in place to preserve the blood in case of power failure, natural disaster, or closure of the facility. Choose a facility that is registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and fully accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks. Find out how you can withdraw blood and what documentation is needed to make that request.
