- It is always important to make sure the company you choose has a lab that is certified. The most important certifications and registrations include: FDA (Food & Drug Administration) and AABB (American Association of Blood Banks).
- Being certified ensures that the laboratory has to follow certain rules and guidelines.
- These guidelines are set in place to ensure the cautious processing and safety of your baby’s precious cord blood.
- While storage and processing rates may vary from laboratory to laboratory, cord blood storage rates should always be affordable.
- It is best to compare rates with different companies on your own, as comparison charts are not always accurate or updated.
- Be sure the company provides a product/service guarantee.
- Transparency with all costs and no HIDDEN FEES.
- Regular 9-5 business hours are not always convenient, since births do not run on a 9-5 schedule. Be sure the laboratory you choose has after-hours or knowledgeable on-call representatives.
- It is always best when a representative can clarify the way the storage process works from beginning to end, but be sure to also receive an information packet.
- Be sure that you are banking with a company that is financially stable and has a track record of success.
- Be sure to sign up at least 4 weeks prior to your due date (if at all possible).
- Upon receiving the collection kit, open it up, get familiar with the instructions, and be sure all parts are present and labels are correct.
- Be sure to follow instructions on how to get your collection kit picked up from the hospital and delivered to the lab in a timely manner.
- Make sure that you will receive proof of storage (Certificate of Storage).
