What You Need To Know About Cord Stem Cell Banking
Cord blood, derived from the umbilical cord soon after the birth of a baby, is the main source for stem cells. Chances are you’ve already heard many people talking about stem cell transplant and why you need to bank them. Whether or not you really need it? If you do, what are the things you should consider before choosing a bank? We provide you details on cord stem cell banking and the things you need to consider before choosing a cord blood stem cell bank.
The pros for stem cells first
· It’s simple really. You are providing yourself with better treatment alternatives by storing your stem cells. You can provide your kid with healthy cells that can help cure life threatening diseases. Even hard to treat diseases such as leukemia, spinal cord injuries and heart diseases can be treated through stem cell transplants.
· Cord stem cell banking does not involve any injury or pain to the mother or the child. Since the cells are sourced at the umbilical cord that is thrown away after the birth, there is no pain involved.
· Cord stem cell banking is very helpful when you need transplants for the parents or for a sibling also. When a patient needs a bone marrow transplant, he faces a lot of risk. This is because the transplant may be rejected by the body. The chances of a stem cell rejection are remote. It can be used in the treatment of diseases like leukemia, brain tumors, cell disorders and congenital disturbances of the immune system.
And now the cons
· Of course, if there are no cases of genetically transmitted diseases in your family, you will not stand to gain a lot from cord stem cell banking.
· It doesn’t come cheap. Expect to pay at least $2000 at first and then around a $100 a year for maintenance. If you do not really run a risk of a genetic disease, these are costs you need not bear!
How do I choose a Cord stem cell banking facility?
It’s simple. Once you have decided on banking the stem cells, ask yourself these questions:
· Would you like to go for public banking or a private facility?
· Is the bank stable?
· Consider the number of processed samples that the facility handles. Chances are, the more samples they have to handle, the better the infrastructure and service is.
· Can you choose a different facility later?
· What are the costs involved? What is the lump sum you have to pay and what about the yearly fee? Is this affordable?
· How will these costs affect your savings in the long run? Are the costs going to be the same or will they change over time?
· Will you need to compromise on anything in order to ensure cord stem cell banking?
Cord stem cell banking is not an easy decision to take-but it is an important one. Consider all the factors before you decide on what is right for you.
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