Comparing Cord Blood Banks

The blood available in the umbilical cord of a new born baby is rich in stem cells. The stem cells can be used to treat dreadful diseases like leukemia and other cancers. Parents have the opportunity of storing this cord blood into a private cord blood bank or public cord blood bank for future use. The decision of donating the blood lies solely with the parents because their decision can influence the baby or the family’s future.

The placenta as well as the cord blood of the baby is a huge source of stem cells. There are a growing number of parents who are storing their baby’s cord blood and then using the same for treating any type of future disease of the baby or other family members.  If you are a parent who has decided to donate the cord blood of your baby, then you should spend some time comparing the cord blood banks.

Below we have mentioned a few questions that you must enquire into before deciding on the cord blood bank.  
a) Is the stem cell collection of the bank limited to the cord blood or does the blood bank also have other alternative sources like stem cells from the placenta to collect stem cells?

b) Is there depletion in the RBC count of the after processing of the stem cells? If yes, then by what percentage?
c) What are the accreditations of the cord blood bank?
d) Is the cord blood bank in question committed to the mission of stem cell research advancement? If yes, then where does its commitment stand in comparison to the others? 
e) Is there any guarantee that the stem cells of your baby will be available for use after a long period of time? Check for the financial stability and other status of the cord blood bank.