Find the Best Cord Blood Banks in Baltimore, MD

How to choose a cord blood bank in Baltimore

The first step to choosing a cord blood bank in Baltimore is deciding whether you want to go with private or public storage.

• Private cord blood banks collect, process and store clients’ cord blood for a fee, keeping it secure for their exclusive use. Families that have a known illness can save the cord blood of a new baby that is a genetic match for other family members and use their stem cells as needed.
• Public cord blood banks are typically nonprofit organizations that collect and store cord blood for use by people in need of stem cells. Doctors and medical professionals can access a public cord blood bank to find a match on behalf of their patients. Donating to a public cord blood bank does not cost money, making it a great way for families to help those in need. However, there’s no guarantee that your donation will be available if you ever need it.

When choosing a cord blood bank, consider what each facility collects, their accreditation and the various other features or services they offer. Some companies collect and store both cord blood and umbilical tissue, but others also process and store placental tissue.

Cord blood banks can apply to various organizations for accreditation. There are different requirements for each certification, but these credentials are usually a good sign. At a minimum, cord blood banks must register with the Food and Drug Administration and hold a license.

Cord blood banks also offer different options for collection and storage. After the cord blood is collected, it is shipped to a facility for processing. Some companies use a fast, automatic method that employs machines to separate the stem cells. Other companies use manual processing, which extracts the stem cells by hand. This is slower but more precise than machine extraction.

Regardless of the extraction method, stem cells from your cord blood are then put in cold storage for up to 18 - 25 years, depending on what level of service you choose. Lifetime storage might also be available, but the limits are cord blood viability are somewhat unknown.

How much does cord blood banking cost in Baltimore?

In Baltimore, the average price for 20 years of private cord blood storage is $4,000 - $6,000 when paid upfront. Most companies also offer payment plans that split up the total price of cord blood banking into yearly or monthly payments. If you choose a monthly payment plan, the average cost of cord blood banking is about $200 per month after a smaller upfront fee of anywhere from $200 to $2,000. Other companies allow you to pay an upfront fee, typically around $3,000, and then pay annually for storage.

Most companies have various options to work with your budget. You can often save money by paying upfront in full, but cord blood banking companies might also offer special pricing for twins or siblings. Look for referral bonuses and seasonal discounts too, especially during July, which is Cord Blood Awareness Month.

Pros and cons of cord blood banking in Baltimore

Stem cells are currently used in the treatment of over 80 diseases. Cord blood banking preserves stem cells for use in these treatments, but certain limitations exist.

Pros:

• Stem cells from cord blood can be used to treat leukemias, lymphomas, red blood cell and platelet abnormalities, bone marrow cancers, blood diseases, and immune disorders.
• The cord blood donor, along with family members who are a genetic match, can be treated with cord blood stem cells.
• Family members who are only a partial match might be able to use the stem cells in some cases.
• Cord blood stem cells are more numerous than bone marrow stem cells and are less likely to be rejected than adult bone marrow cells.

Cons:

• It can be hard to collect enough cord blood for adult use.
• Patients must match certain genetic factors for your stored stem cells to be effective, so there’s no guarantee of viability for people other than the donor.
• If a baby is born with a genetic condition, the cord blood stem cells also have that condition, making them invalid for treatment.
• Your family may never need your privately banked cord blood. This is ultimately a good thing, but it does affect the value of cord blood banking.

Baltimore cord blood banking FAQ

Can I donate cord blood in Baltimore?

Yes, you can donate cord blood to public blood banks in Baltimore. The National Marrow Donor Program also partners with many hospitals throughout the country.

How long does cord blood banking last?

Private storage for cord blood typically lasts 18 - 25 years. You can pay an additional fee for lifetime storage at some facilities, but it’s unknown how long stem cells can potentially be viable.

Is cord blood banking covered by insurance?

No, insurance generally does not cover cord blood banking. However, your insurance company might cover it if certain conditions run in your family. Contact your health insurance provider for specific coverage information.

What diseases can cord blood cure?

Cord blood treatment is not a guaranteed cure for any disease, but it has been used to successfully treat over 80 conditions, including sickle cell anemia, some leukemias and Hodgkin’s disease.

Why is cord blood important?

Privately storing cord blood after your baby is born ensures you have stem cells for that child in case they develop medical problems treatable with stem cell therapy. Public cord blood storage is also important as a resource for others who need life-saving stem cell treatments.