Stem Cell Banking – 5 Facts You Need To Know
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’ve probably heard by now about stem cells and why you should be keeping them safe for your child. Do you seriously need this? If you do, what are the things you should consider before choosing a bank? You’ll find details and all the information you need to know before you start considering to choose a 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 will be able to give your child healthy cells that can portentially treat otherwise life threatening conditions. Stem cells can even treat diseases like leukemia.
· 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. Patients who requires bone marrow transplant faces plenty of risks. This is due to the possible rejection of the transplant by the host 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. Be prepared to pay $2000 for the banking, and then roughly $100 per year after that. 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 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?
· 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 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?
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.
Posted: December 22nd, 2009 under Uncategorized.