Best Cord Blood Bank - How to Choose?
So you've decided to bank your baby's cord blood with a private cord blood bank. Now you are probably on a quest to find the best cord blood bank for you and your baby.
There is a lot of information out there and a lot to consider when looking for a cord blood bank. Here are a list of questions to consider:
-
Is the bank FDA registered and regulated?
Private cord blood banks are required to register with the FDA. It is important te cord blood banks also comply with FDA rules for blood and tissue donor eligibility and processing. -
Is the bank accredited for the processing of cord blood stem cells (AABB/FACT)?
It is important to store your cord blood with a bank whose collection sites, processing facilities, and storage facilities are specifically accredited/certified for the processing of cord blood stem cells. -
How long has the bank been processing and storing cord blood?
Finding a stable and experienced cord blood bank is very important. Cord blood banking can be a long-term investment, so you want to be sure that you working with a reliable company.
Proper collection and transportation of cord blood is crucial. Some banks will tell you that they have many units in storage, but none were ever used. This could indicate that the blood was not carefully collected and transplant surgeons have rejected their cord blood. Be sure to ask the bank:About their success rates
If their cord blood has ever been used for a transplant
To help on your search for the best cord blood bank for you, see the chart below which compares features and prices of different private cord blood banks. You may also want to check the non-profit organization: The Parents Guide to Cord Blood's Private cord blood bank comparison chart also.
|
Viacord |
Cord Blood Registry |
Cryo- |
Neo |
Family Cord Blood Services |
New England Cord Blood Bank |
Cor |
Alpha |
|
All processing done by AABB- |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Licensed in NY and NJ (the toughest regulations to meet) |
|
Only in NY |
|
|
|
Only in NY |
Only in NY | |
|
FDA Registered |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collection in Bag or Vial |
Bag |
Bag |
Bag/ Syringe |
Bag |
Bag |
Bag |
Bag |
Bag |
Bag |
Storage in bag or vial |
Bag |
Bag |
Vials |
Bag |
Bag |
Bag |
Vials |
Bag |
Bag |
Physician Phone Assistance Available During Delivery |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collection, processing and 1- year of storage |
$2,010 |
$2,045 |
$2,000 |
$1,720 |
$1,295 |
$1,650 |
$1,850 |
$2,075 |
$775- |
Annual storage fees for 20 years |
Free |
$1,975 |
$1,975 |
$2,375 |
$1,700 |
$1,680 |
$1,920 |
$2,375 |
$2,180 |
$4,020 |
$3,975 |
$4,095 |
$2,995 |
$3,330 |
$3,770 |
$4,450 |
$2,955- $3,575 |
We do our best to keep this chart updated, but information in this industry changes frequently. Some details may have changed since this was last updated.
*Does not account for future price increases.
