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The umbilical cord is the main source for stem cells. You must have heard a lot about stem cell transplants and the need for banking your stem cells. Whether or not you really need it? 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. By banking your stem cells, you are actually providing yourself with better alternatives in the future to fight against diseases or health conditions. Stem cells can provide your children with healthy cells to help treat against life threatening diseases. There are a number of diseases like leukemia, heart disease and spinal cord injuries that can be treated with these transplants.
· Cord stem cell banking does not involve any injury or pain to the mother or the child. The cells required is taken from the umbilical cord after the birth, therefore there is absoluteny no pain or risk for your baby.
· Cord stem cell banking is very helpful when you need transplants for the parents or for a sibling also. When a patient needs a bone marrow transplant, he faces a lot of risk. This is because the transplant may be rejected by the body. Chances of stem cell rejection are very rare. 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. Expect to pay at least 00 at first and then around a 0 a year for maintenance. 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 easy. 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?
· Consider the number of processed samples at the facility- larger sample handling means that there are more hands involved in the procedure and better infrastructure.
· Can you choose a different facility later?
· What are the costs involved? What is the amount you will have to pay up front and also the maintainence cost? Are those 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.
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