- Lab Certifications
- When choosing a cord blood bank, it is important to make sure the company you choose has a lab that is certified. The most important certifications and registrations include: FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and AABB (American Association of Blood Banks).
- Being certified ensures that the laboratory is following the following standards.
- These guidelines are set in place to ensure the cautious processing and safety of your baby’s precious cord blood.
- Storage and Processing Rates
- 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, updated, or available.
- Be sure the company provides a product/service guarantee.
- Look for a company who is transparent with all costs and has no HIDDEN FEES.
- Service
- 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 at all times.
- It is always best when a representative can clarify the way the newborn storage process works from beginning to end over the phone. We suggest you request an information packet in addition to refer to later.
- We also suggest that you bank with a company that is financially stable and has a track record of success. Read their reviews, look for real bankers’ testimonials online – anything to get a feel for how they treat their customers.
- Lastly, ask the company who they ship their cord blood with. Do they use the same mail service or have a few providers? How do they ensure proper care of your baby’s cells once they leave the hands of the attending physician? You’ll want to make sure they are using shipping best practices.
- The Collection
- We highly suggest registering to bank your baby’s cord blood at least 4 weeks prior to your due date (if possible). This helps to eliminate any anxiety about the baby coming early and you not being fully prepared to bank his or her blood.
- Upon receiving the collection kit, open it up, get familiar with the instructions, be sure all parts are present, and labels are correct. Also make sure to read through the 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).
