Cord Blood Banking... anyone done it for their children? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kuan · #1 07-01-2003, 02:36 PM

As you all know, we're expecting a baby very soon. One of our options at the time of delivery is storing our baby's umbilical cord blood so in case something happens we won't have to depend on a donor.

Has anyone done this, and if so, what are your experiences? Can you recommend any good companies? Are there any downsides? Are there any hidden costs?

blackmercedes · #2 07-01-2003, 09:13 PM

Our health care system does it here, so no private company to worry about. Most people we know have done it, including us. Given all the stuff that went on that night, I can't even remember the procedure, so it must have been quick and easy.

MineMapper · #3 07-02-2003, 01:31 PM

We did this when our son was born 5 months ago. We used a company called Cryo-Cell, in Clearwater, FL.

They were significantly cheaper than the others out there, mainly because they are a European company trying to break into the US market. Excellent service, and I trust them to look after that priceless commodity well.

Good luck!

suginami · #4 07-02-2003, 03:38 PM

As you know, we have twins on the way - due at the end of September.

My wife was given a brochure on storing the fluid in the umbilical cord by our doctor, and we are strongly considering doing it.

It seems like I remember the storage fee being $300-$400 / year.

MineMapper · #5 07-02-2003, 04:22 PM

Congratulations to you as well Paul.

The traditional cord blood storage firms do charge approx. $3-400/yr. That's why we went with Cryo-Cell.

From their website:

Quote:

$365 Initial Fee which includes the cost of enrollment, the collection kit, processing and testing.

$90 Annual Fee fixed for specimens in two vial, dual location storage

Why are they cheaper?

Quote:

CRYO-CELL operates its own lab while many of our competitors have to send their clients' specimens to third parties for processing, testing and storage. We also only operate a private storage bank. Therefore, we have no costs associated with an allogeneic (unrelated third party) bank such as HLA typing. Finally, we are committed to offering a high quality service at a good value to our clients, including individualized client support.