Cord blood is the main source for gathering stem cells. This highly valuable blood can be retreived from the umbilical cord soon after birth. You must have heard a lot about stem cell transplants and the need for banking your stem cells. Whether or not you really need it? And if you do, what else do you need to think about before deciding on 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. Stem cells can provide your children with healthy cells to help treat against 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. There is no pain involved for the baby since the cells are taken from the umbilical cord that has already been cut out.

· Cord stem cell banking is very helpful when you need transplants for the parents or for a sibling also. Patients have to face high risks when undergoing bone marrow transplant. There is a chance that the body may reject the transplant. Chances of stem cell rejection are very rare. 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. You should be prepared to fork out at least $2000 up front, with a $100 yearly maintenance cost. 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 very easy. 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?

· Check how big the facility is - facilities that handles large numbers of samples are more likely to have better procedures and infrastructure to handle the cells.

· Can you choose a different facility later?

· What are the costs involved? What are the up front fees as well as the yearly maintenance cost? Are they 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?

It may not be an easy decision to go for cord stem cell banking, but it is an important one. Consider all the factors before you decide on what is right for you.