How to Compare Cord Blood Banks: A Guide for Parents

Before your baby is born, you have an opportunity to make a decision that may have an impact on the future health of your baby and your family. That’s because your baby’s placenta and cord blood are both valuable sources of stem cells. Today, many parents choose to store their baby’s cells in a cord blood bank in case they are ever needed in the future to treat a serious disease or replace bone marrow damaged by radiation or chemotherapy. When making such an important decision, you should take the time to compare cord blood banks to ensure your investment is in good hands.

If you’re not sure where to begin or what to look for in a cord blood bank, use this page as a starting point to help you compare cord blood banks. Below are some questions you should ask when considering different facilities to bank your baby’s stem cells.

Questions to Ask When Comparing Cord Blood Banks

1. Does the company offer the ability to bank more stem cells by collecting both placenta-derived stem cells and cord blood—or is stem cell collection limited to cord blood only?
2. After stem cells are processed, what percent of the unit is red blood cell depleted? (The higher the number, the better.)
3. What accreditations does the cord blood bank hold?
4. Does the cord blood bank provide both financial stability and a commitment to high-quality service that yield the confidence that your baby’s stem cells will be available for decades to come?
5. How does this cord blood bank compare regarding its commitment to furthering the advancement of stem cell therapeutics?
6. Does this cord blood bank have a proven track record of banking and releasing stem cells for transplant?
7. What happens if our baby’s banked stem cells do not engraft when called upon for transplant?
8. Is the collection process fee all-inclusive, including a courier service for in-room pick up?
9. How does this cord blood bank compare when it comes to pricing options?
10. Is someone available who will address my questions throughout the process and make sure I have the information I need?
11. Does the facility use the industry-preferred gravity method when collecting cord blood?

At LifebankUSA™, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service through state-of-the-art facilities, medical expertise, and a range of pricing options. We’re a partner that you can count on, but don’t just take our word for it. To compare LifebankUSA with other cord blood banks, go to the cord blood bank comparison template on our Web site and talk with your OB/GYN about how cord blood banks compare. And, for more information, dial 1-877-LIFEBANKUSA (1-877-543-3226).