Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

Teri Posted: Jan 27, 2004 09:15 AM

Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

We plan to do this...for a few reasons #1 It's always sounded like a great idea #2 My Dr actually recommended this since my father passed away from Leukemia about 7 yrs ago.

Even though there haven't been too many long term research studies done on this, it sounds like such a smart plan that's hopefully never needed.

The only problem - cost! I have the brochure at home so i cannot remember the company, but it's supposedly highly recommended. The fee is about $1,800 and then a yearly storage fee of $90.

Is this about average from what you've researched?

Also, God forbid this is needed down the road, can it be used to save the same child's life? For some reason, I was under the impression that it could only be used for a sibling - not the same child the blood came from.

Lisalou Posted: Jan 27, 2004 09:21 AM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

I think it's a fair price from what I have researched as well. I am seriously considering this as well, it only makes sense for my husband and I to do it. I know there are a couple people on this board that have done it, I'm sure they can give you better insight than I.

chmlengr Posted: Jan 27, 2004 09:47 AM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

Teri - we are planning on doing it as well. We've looked into several companies and the cost is all roughly the same. I forget the company we are going to use, but they sent me a very detailed packet on it all. I'll look it up when I get home if your interested.

Samanthas Mom Posted: Jan 27, 2004 09:47 AM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

I have been reading about it online and got some literature but have not made up my mind yet.

KathyKelly Posted: Jan 27, 2004 10:32 AM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

We seriously considered doing it also but my brother had it done with his last child and it is good for any family member so we always have his.
But if he didn't have it I probably would have done it.

Stacey1403 Posted: Jan 27, 2004 10:49 AM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

FYI

Q: I have been approached, or contacted, by a self-storage program about storing my child's cord blood. Should I store the cord or donate it?

A: Donating your child's cord blood or storing it for private use is a personal decision that only you can make. If you have a child with leukemia or other disease that may be treatable by transplant and you are pregnant, talk with your oncologist or pediatrician about saving your baby's cord blood. For more information see the Non-NMDP Cord Blood Bank list.

Families may feel a great deal of pressure from the promotions and advertisements they receive from the for-profit private storage cord blood banks. The NMDP agrees with the policy statement of The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued in 1999:

AAP's second recommendation follows:
'Given the difficulty of making an accurate estimate of the need for autologous [donation from self] transplantation and the ready availability of allogeneic [donation from sibling or unrelated person] transplantation, private storage of cord blood as 'biological insurance' is unwise. However, banking should be considered if there is a family member with a current or potential need to undergo a stem cell transplantation.'
(Words in italics added by the NMDP.)

jenny11.9 Posted: Jan 27, 2004 11:09 AM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

I think it's 100% worth it. The positives strongly outweigh the cost in my opinion.

I am devastated that we couldnt' do it. I was making the call to arrange it the day I ended up being rushed to the hospital to be induced. They didnt' have any kits there and we weren't able to do it.

I will never get over that.....I would do it if I could. Peace of mind.

Teri Posted: Jan 27, 2004 11:16 AM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

so sorry Jenny I've heard that in those cases it's not too uncommon. I can imagine how frustrating that is though.

Stacey - I'm not sure I follow that last paragraph....I wonder why it's considered 'unwise'?

Since you have no forewarning if your future child will develop a disease where this may be needed, so you need to prepare in any way you can!

Stacey1403 Posted: Jan 27, 2004 11:57 AM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

The last paragraph is from the American Academy of Pediatrics. I think that the cord banking places want to make money so I would research other places than the cord banks themselves

Although with leukemia in your family. Cord banking is I'm sure a good option for you

Teri Posted: Jan 27, 2004 11:59 AM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

Posted by Stacey1403

The last paragraph is from the American Academy of Pediatrics. I think that the cord banking places want to make money so I would research other places than the cord banks themselves

Although with leukemia in your family. Cord banking is I'm sure a good option for you

Good point - I will have to do more research overall and before I decide which company to use

Kathi Posted: Jan 27, 2004 01:37 PM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

We used Viacord. I believe the cost was $1550 + $95 for the 1st year storage fee.

If you have any questions, feel free to FM me.

Victoria Posted: Jan 27, 2004 02:27 PM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

We used cryo-cell. I think it was only $300 startup, including the first year's storage. The yearly fee was only $45/yr. I think the storage cost has doubled but that is because they take 2 vials to store in separate facilities in case of a disaster. We also paid to ship the sample.

Teri Posted: Jan 27, 2004 04:25 PM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

Yes! Viacord! That's who my dr recommended - but their fees definitely went up! It was at least $1750 or so to store....but I'll double check tonight when I'm home.

Victoria - that quote is much lower! I will really have to research this more thoroughly....at least I have time though

LaurenReb Posted: Jan 28, 2004 02:11 PM

Re: Who has/is planning to bank your child's umbilical cord blood?

I did it through CryoCell. They were great! It was only $370 for the registration process and initialization, and then $90 every year for maintenance. Totally worth it!!!