Americord
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(917) 338-6773
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Cord Blood Registry
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ViaCord
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Cryo-Cell
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AlphaCord
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New England Cord Blood Bank
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Mercy Medical Center
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The first step to choosing a cord blood bank in Baltimore is deciding whether you want to go with private or public storage.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Accredited Partner | ||
Americord |
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Americord is a private cord blood bank that offers cord blood, cord tissue and placental tissue collection and storage. The company includes medical courier transport with all plans, and its collection method is FDA-approved for cesarean sections. The company is an American Association of Blood Banks-accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified lab, and it can store specimens for up to 20 years. Choose from five packages, starting at $157 per month for 24 months. Americord’s upfront fees start at $3,499. |
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Learn More (917) 338-6773 |
Cord Blood Registry |
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Cord Blood Registry is a private cord blood bank with options for cord blood and cord tissue storage. The company provides medical courier shipping, genetic support counseling and access to a family health registry with every storage plan. It can also help with cord blood collection from a surrogate or if the birth takes place abroad. Eighteen-year or lifetime plans are available. Upfront prices start at $1,680, with $180 annual storage fees. Cord Blood Registry’s 48-month payment plan starts at $47 per month. |
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ViaCord |
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ViaCord offers private cord blood and cord tissue banking for up to 25 years at an AABB-accredited and CLIA-certified facility. You can add DNA preservation for your newborn, and the company also provides genomic testing options for newborns, children and adults. ViaCord uses a specialized five-compartment storage bag that eases access to cells. Its pricing for cord blood banking starts at $1,900 upfront, including one year of storage. Annual storage costs $175. ViaCord’s total cost for 20-year prepaid storage is $2,765. |
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Cryo-Cell |
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Cryo-Cell is an AABB-accredited private cord blood bank. The company offers a donor transplant program that provides free cord blood processing and storage for up to five years for families with an expectant child or young sibling who will need a cord blood stem cell transplant soon. Choose industry standard or premium processing. Ask about referral bonuses and multiple birth discounts. Save money by paying $4,650 in advance for processing, testing, medical courier shipping and 18 years of storage. Cryo-Cell provides 12- or 24-month payment plans starting at $79 per month with a $199 down payment. |
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AlphaCord |
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AlphaCord is a private cord blood bank that collects cord blood, cord tissue and placenta tissue. The company is AABB accredited, and the bag it uses for collection holds four times more cells than the industry standard. Customers can add a five-chamber storage bag for $59. Eighteen years of prepaid storage is $1,995 upfront or $180 per month for 12 months. AlphaCord’s cord blood-only package starts at $995 upfront, with $125 per year storage starting the second year. Check its website for promotions. |
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New England Cord Blood Bank |
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New England Cord Blood Bank is a private cord blood bank offering cord blood and tissue storage. Its automated stem cell extraction process recovers 99% of cells. The company also offers 20-year or lifetime storage options. Ask about interest-free financing and referral bonuses. New England Cord Blood Bank’s upfront price for 20-year storage is $3,849. |
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Mercy Medical Center |
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Mercy Medical Center partners with Cord for Life to provide services for cord blood donation at no cost. The Cord for Life Foundation stores donated resources at a public cord blood bank that is accessible to doctors on behalf of their patients. To make a donation, sign up at least four weeks before your delivery date. Mercy Medical Center is located at 345 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. |
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