Cells4Life Reviews

Cells4Life is a stem cell bank that stores umbilical cord blood and tissue, as well as placental tissues. Some plans include a proprietary processing method called CellsPlus, which removes most red blood cells before freezing. This concentrates the stem-cell-rich portion of the sample.

Because stem cell transplants require a minimum number of cells relative to a patient’s body weight, preserving more viable cells may increase the chances that a stored unit meets treatment requirements if it’s needed later.

To get started with Cells4Life, you enroll in the program and fill out a consent form to receive your collection kit. Most kits arrive the next day, provided your consent form is received before 4 p.m.

Keep the kit with the items you plan to bring to the hospital when you go into labor. A doctor or midwife will use the kit to collect the cord blood (and cord tissue, if included in your plan) once your baby is born. You then contact Cells4Life to arrange pickup, and the sample is transported to a lab for processing and storage using a 24/7 courier service.

Cells4Life offers banking services for the following tissue types:

• Cord blood
• Cord tissue
• Cells from the chorionic villi of the placenta
• Cells from the amniotic membrane of the placenta
• Maternal stem cells

These services are available across all five plans: Silver, Gold, Platinum, VIP and Maternal Stem Cells. The listed plan price includes enrollment, processing and the first year of storage. Annual storage fees apply beginning in year two.

Cells4Life costs are divided into two categories: upfront costs and annual storage fees. Here’s the breakdown for each plan:

The upfront costs include an enrollment fee, a processing fee and the first year of storage. The specific amounts for each fee vary by plan. Flexible payment plans are available.

The initial storage contract is for 25 years, after which you can renew for additional terms.

Discounts

Cells4Life frequently advertises promotional discounts on its processing fees. At the time of publishing, advertised savings were as high as $1,600, depending on the plan. Because promotions change, confirm current pricing directly with the company.

Once collected, cord blood samples are transported to the Cells4Life laboratory. The samples are processed to isolate the stem cells and are then stored in cryogenic tanks to preserve the cells. Once stored, you’ll receive a certificate of confirmation.

Cells4Life stores stem cell samples in multiple segments and only thaws the portion required for treatment, which helps preserve the remaining sample for potential future use. In addition to newborn stem cell storage, Cells4Life offers maternal stem cell banking — a service not commonly available among private cord blood banks. The company also stores amnion and chorion tissue separately rather than combining them.

Cells4Life is worth it if you’re looking for a premium cord blood banking option. Founded in 2002, the company has been around for a while.

The main downside is price; Cells4Life is more expensive than many competitors. However, the pricing is clear and easy to understand, and the benefits of this company, including maternal stem cell banking, multiple tissue storage options and proprietary CellsPlus processing on select plans, may outweigh the cost for many.