Cord blood is the blood from the umbilical cord that remains after a baby is born. It’s rich in stem cells, which can be used for various medical purposes. Many parents are now considering whether to store their child’s cord blood in a private bank as an insurance policy for the future. Some parents opt to do this because they have a family history of illness or disease, while others choose it as a measure of precaution. Cord blood banking may sound complicated and expensive, but it isn’t really. Picking the right cord blood bank could get tricky because there are so many options out there and each one claims to be the best. To help you make an informed decision, here are some points to keep in mind when selecting a reputable cord blood bank:
Reputable Banks Are Licensed By The FDA
If you’re looking at different cord blood banks, make sure they’re licensed by the FDA. The FDA licenses cord blood banks as part of its mandate to monitor the safety of the blood supply system in the U.S. If a company doesn’t have a license, that’s a big red flag. Some private banks might not be licensed because they’re small operations that aren’t geared to handle the paperwork or the FDA’s inspection process. That might not be a problem if you’re just storing your child’s cord blood for a family member, but it could be a big issue if you ever need to use it for medical treatment.
Cord Blood Banks Have a Wide Network of Facilities
Make sure the bank you select has a wide network of facilities with which it partners to store your child’s cord blood. That way, if you ever need to access your child’s cord blood for medical treatment, you won’t have to travel far to access it. If the registries of a given cord blood bank show that there are a lot of locations where their samples are stored, that’s a good sign. It means that the bank has been in business for a while and has cultivated a network of partners with whom it collaborates. That said, even a small or a new bank might have a network of facilities. You can check the bank’s website or speak with a representative to find out.
Cord Blood Banks Have a Strict Quality Control and Safeguards
Any reputable cord blood bank will employ strict quality control measures and security safeguards. These are essential for preserving the integrity of the sample and protecting it against contamination. A cord blood bank’s quality control measures will vary depending on the facility where the samples are stored and the type of method used for preservation. Regardless of the specific quality control measures employed, make sure the bank you select has state-of-the-art equipment and a high level of security. Again, you can find out about these things by checking the bank’s website or asking when you call.
Cord Blood Banks Offer Strict Quality Controls and Safeguards
The most important thing to look for in a cord blood bank is that it’s a trusted, legacy brand. As you’re probably aware, the process of banking your child’s cord blood is an investment in his or her future. That means that you and your child should have access to the benefits of cord blood banking for decades to come.
Conclusion
Cord blood banking is a fantastic way to secure the health of you and your family in the future. If you’re thinking about storing your child’s cord blood, you’ll be glad to know that it’s a relatively inexpensive process. Selecting a reputable bank and following the above tips will help you make an informed decision. To help make your life easier, click here for our list of the top ten blood banks.
