What Is Cord Blood Banking?

Cord blood banking explained

After a baby is born and the doctor clamps and cuts the cord, the blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta is called cord blood. It contains immature cells known as hematopoietic stem cells. These cells can develop into three main types of blood cells, including:

• Red blood cells, which carry oxygen to tissues
• White blood cells, which fight infection
• Platelets, which help blood clot

Cord blood is valuable because it contains a large amount of stem cells that can form new blood and immune cells.

What cord blood banking means

Cord blood banking involves collecting stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord at birth, then processing and freezing them for potential future use.

Storing cord blood can provide a layer of security for families that are concerned about a health condition that would require a stem cell transplant. Cord blood stem cells can be used to help treat about 80 different health conditions, such as:

• Blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma
• Sickle cell disease, or other types of anemias
• Bone marrow diseases
• Some immune system disorders

Cord blood tissue banking is a related option, but cord blood tissue differs from cord blood.

Cord blood tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells rather than hematopoietic stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells can develop into bone, cartilage and fat, and researchers are studying their role in inflammatory conditions and tissue repair.

Cord blood collection and storage process

Cord blood collection is a relatively quick process that takes place around the time of delivery. Once collected, the blood is transported to a laboratory, where it’s processed, tested and prepared for long-term storage at a cord blood bank.

Here’s a breakdown of the collection process: 

1. Enrollment: Obtain a collection kit, sign consent forms and complete necessary paperwork, including your family and medical history, before the baby is born.
2. Collection: Using a sterile needle, the healthcare provider draws blood from the umbilical cord. About 60 to 130 milliliters (mL) of cord blood can be collected.
3. Transport: The cord blood is transported to a lab for processing and storage.
4. Processing: The team processes cord blood to remove the plasma and red blood cells, reducing its volume.
5. Testing: Public banks will screen the cord blood for immune system or blood disorders.
6. Long-term cryostorage: Stored blood is cryogenically frozen until it’s needed.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a sample of at least 40 milliliters.

When cord blood is collected

Planning for cord blood collection typically starts before a baby is born because medical professionals can only collect cord blood immediately after birth. This gives you time to complete paperwork and receive a collection kit. Some hospitals will have these kits, but some may not.

After birth, your healthcare provider or a hospital staff member will collect the cord blood. The provider will use a syringe to draw up the blood from the umbilical cord into a collection bag. Delayed cord clamping can reduce the amount of blood you can bank, so keep this in mind when reviewing your birth plan.

The cord blood is then transported to a lab where it can be tested, processed and frozen for long-term storage. From birth to lab processing, the travel time is around 48 hours.

Testing and processing steps

Before cord blood can be used for others, it must be tested for immune system or blood disorders to ensure it’s safe. If you’re donating to a public bank, the cord blood will be processed and entered into the computer so it’s ready when someone needs it.

Processing removes the plasma, or liquid part of the blood, as well as the red blood cells, so there’s less volume to store.

If the cord blood is a match for another person, it can be used after testing. If not, the blood is stored frozen for later use. In a public bank, there’s a chance your cord blood will never be used.

Red blood cells can burst when frozen, so they’re removed during processing.

Cryopreservation and storage safety

The cord blood is mixed with a protective solution, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at very low temperatures. Stored cord blood can last over 20 years after cryopreservation. One study found cord blood was still viable and usable after 27 years.

Cord blood banking pros and cons

If you’re considering cord blood banking, take time to weigh the pros and cons. Some benefits of cord blood banking include:

• Painless collection: The process is painless for both parent and baby.
• Faster matching: Cord blood doesn’t need to match a patient as closely as bone marrow.
• Long-term storage: Cord blood can be frozen for later use, whereas bone marrow needs to be used soon after collection.
• Immune system support: It may help boost the immune system after cancer treatment.
• Lower GVHD risk: Cord blood may carry a lower risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) compared with bone marrow.

Drawbacks to consider:

• Limited likelihood of use: Most children will never use their own stored cord blood.
• Ongoing costs: Upfront fees and annual storage costs for private banking.
• Limited collection window: Cord blood can only be collected at birth, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
• Limited stem cell count: Cord blood may not contain enough stem cells for an adult transplant, so units from multiple donors may be needed.

Future uses of cord blood are also underway. Researchers are currently exploring experimental uses of cord blood in clinical trials, including for cerebral palsy, autism and diabetes.

» RELATED: Cord blood industry statistics

Public vs. private cord blood banks

Public banks will accept cord blood donations from families at no cost, and the cord blood samples are available to anyone who’s a match.

You typically need to deliver at a participating hospital and pass the family and medical history screenings. Public banks require you to collect cord blood from a single pregnancy, since twins or multiples tend to be smaller and don’t collect as much cord blood.

Private cord blood banks store samples only for your family and charge an upfront cost plus yearly fees. Processing fees for private cord banks can average $1,350 to $2,350, and annual fees average $100 to $175.

Key differences between public and private banks

The table below breaks down the differences between public and private banks.

How to choose a bank

When choosing a cord blood bank, look for banks accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) or NetCord-Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). These groups review best practices for collection, processing, testing and storage. Banks may also be licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Look at how long the bank has been around and how many units they’ve released for transplant.

Also, consider the long-term costs of a private bank and how likely your family is to use the cord blood. The ACOG and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend most families use a public bank. Private banks make sense when a family member has a condition that stem cells could treat.

» MORE: Cord blood banking statistics

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