The Complete Guide To Cord Blood Banking: Pros, Cons, Costs And Basics

The Cost Of Cord Blood Banking

While storing cord blood with a public bank does not cost much, the same cannot be said for a private bank. Many of the private banks require a one-time fee, which covers the collection, processing, and administrative expenses associated with the process. A family can pay anywhere between $1300 and $2300 during the first year of cord blood banking. One will also be required to pay an annual fee, which usually ranges from $100 to $180. Some private banks offer financing options for pre-paid plans that include over twenty years of storage.

Public banks often pay for donated cord blood, with each unit costing up to $2500 in collection and processing fees. Most of these units are used for transplant patients and research purposes. Important things to consider when looking for a cord blood bank include the availability of a discount if paying upfront, additional discounts for those in the military as well as the cost of shipping cost.

The Length Of Time Cord Blood Is Viable

The viability of cord blood is something that many parents worry about. Considering that blood banking has been in existence for a little over twenty years, it is hard to prove whether or not cord blood can remain viable for longer than twenty-five years. Therefore, it doesn't come as much of a surprise that doctors do not label units with an expiration date. And while the number can easily change, it is important to remember that frozen blood can last indefinitely. This theory is supported by the fact that sperm and other cell types have remained viable after more than fifty years in storage. There is also the fact that cord blood is stored at below -190 degrees Celsius, at which point any biological activity ceases.