Sanford Clinic Women's Health

Cord Blood Banking 

What is Cord Blood?

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth and after the cord is cut. Cord blood contains special cells called stem cells that have the potential to treat a variety of genetic, blood and cancer disorders.

Should you consider cord blood banking?

Some people say that every couple should consider cord blood banking, while others aren't so sure. Many individuals, however, view cord blood banking as a medical insurance policy should a child need a transplant in the future. These stems cells are more primitive cells than bone marrow or blood and therefore are less likely to be rejected in a transplant. Harvesting the cord blood poses no risk to the mother or child.

What are some of the conditions that cord blood can treat?

For families with a history of specific genetic disorders, cord blood could potentially be lifesaving. Some of the conditions treated with cord blood include leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease and about 45 other blood related diseases. If a family has a history of one of these conditions, a stem cell transplant for a sibling or a baby's own stem cells could provide the “cure.” In the future, it is possible that many more uses and therapies will be available for individuals who have their cord blood banked.

If cord blood banking is so promising, why doesn't everyone do it?

The most limiting factor of banking is the cost. Private banks usually charge between $1500-2000. Another drawback is that without a family history of a condition, it is highly unlikely that any of your children will ever need the stem cells. It has been estimated that only 4 children per 10,000 will ever be able to use the cord blood cells. In addition, scientists do not know how long cord blood is good for. At present, it is believed to be viable for 15 years. Finally, the stem cells potential is currently limited. While the most benefit would ultimately be for adulthood, the stem cells are so few that they can only be used in an individual of under 115 pounds.

Because of the current limitations, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a position statement that states “there is no strong evidence to recommend routine core blood banking for an infant's future use.” They do say that banking should be considered if there is a family member with a current or potential need to undergo stem cell transplantation.

What considerations should I make before I chose to do cord blood banking?

The decision to bank cord blood is a personal choice. The benefits and limitations must be considered carefully. Should you choose to do private banking, you should consider the cost, the location and the reputability of the private bank. Another option that some couples consider is public banking. With public banking, the cost of storing the stem cells is free, but the sample would be used for any individual who is a match and needs a transplant. In this case, the cells may not be available should your child or future children need them.

For more information, please visit:

Private Banking

Benefit: Stem cells will be available for future use.
Limitation: Cost is prohibitive for many families
Some popular banks include:

  1. Cord Blood Registry founded 1995
    http://www.cordblood.com/
    888-Cordblood
    San Bruno, CA
    $1850 collection fee + $125 storage fee
  2. Cryo-Cell International founded 1992
    http://www.cryo-cell.com/
    800-STOR-CELL
    Clearwater, FL
    $1595 collection fee + $125 storage fee
  3. Viacord
    http://www.viacord.com/
    866-668-4895
    Boston, MA
    $1800 collection fee + $125 storage fee

For a more extensive list of cost and banks please visit:

Parents Guide to CordBlood Banking

Public Banking

Benefit: It is free.
Limitation: Cells will go to whoever needs them first. Not everyone is eligible to donate.
Some banks include:

  1. Cryobanks Internatioinal, Inc.
    http://www.cryo-intl.com/
    800-869-8608
    Altamonte Springs, FL
    Accepts donations mailed from anywhere. Use is for research and transplants
  2. CORDUS
    http://www.cordus.com/
    407-562-1650
    Lake Mary, FL
    For profit corporation. They are hoping to increase the use of stem cell through research and transplants that will earn them a profit in the future.
  3. Lifebank USA
    http://www.lifebankusa.com/
    1877-lifebankusa
    Cedar Knolls, NJ
    Accpet donations from anywhere.

For a more extensive list please visit:

Parents Guide to CordBlood Banking