Bellevue Health Clinic

Archive for July, 2011

A very important decision that parents need to take before baby’s birth is whether they have to store the umbilical cord blood or not. Cord blood is nothing, but the blood which is left in the placenta and umbilical cord immediately after delivery. Rich in stem cells, this blood is helpful in curing conditions and diseases like multiple sclerosis, leukemia, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease in the kid, its siblings and other family members.

An important factor which is to be considered is cord blood banking cost. This cost includes the cost of collection, processing and storing the umbilical cord blood. Collection of such blood has to be done within 15 minutes of delivery and it is required to be processed within 40 to 45 minutes. Many storage facilities carry out this task free of cost; while others charge some cost because of additional facilities they provide.

Cord blood banking can be quite an expensive task sometimes and therefore needs careful planning and consideration. Since a couple also needs to face other expenses like hospital charges, medicines, baby items etc. they should think of planning the whole budget accordingly. How much is the cord blood banking cost? Do some math. There are 2 types of costs that are associated with umbilical blood. First one is one-time charge, covering the collection, treatment and storage of blood for the initial year. It can range from $ 1000 to $2000, depending upon the bank chosen. Second one is the yearly storage fee, which can range from $100 to $120.

Cord blood banking cost is easily affordable by most of the people. Cord blood storage is just like getting life or medical insurance. Having such insurance makes an individual feel safer. Safety and security always come with a price and affordability usually influences the decision. There are several facilities that offer lower interest options which enable an individual to pay in small installments.