Cord blood banking, or the process of preserving the stem cells obtained from the umbilical cord of a newborn, is gradually gaining popularity among new parents. Initially, there were a lot of reservations regarding stem cell banking. However, looking at the success of using baby stem cells in regenerative treatment in the developed countries, the avenues for stem cell banking opened up in India as well. Ongoing global research has established that stem cells can be used to treat 80+ diseases and more and more people are realizing the benefits of cord blood banking.
The first stem cell bank in India was established in Chennai in 1995. Presently, there are two types of stem cell banks in India—public and private stem cell banks.
Public Banks
The public banks are owned by the government and are mainly for research purposes. Here, parents of a newborn donate their baby’s cord blood for research purpose. However, in future, parents cannot access the donated stem cells directly for individual use. Meanwhile, private banks are for the personal use of the family. Parents or other close family members can access preserved stem cells whenever needed for the treatment of the child or siblings within the family. In India, there are 14 private and two public stem cell banks.
Private Banks
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to opt for a private bank for stem cell preservation only if the child or any close family member is suffering from a disease that can be treated using the preserved umbilical cord. Newborn stem cell banking in a private bank is beneficial if you have a family history of leukaemia, thalassemia, sickle-cell anaemia or such blood disorders and immunological disorders.
How to Choose the Best Stem Cell Bank?
Once you decide to preserve the umbilical cord blood, you need to consider certain aspects while choosing the best stem cell bank in India. The first one is the distance from the baby’s location of birth. Check at the chosen hospital/venue for the birth, if they are affiliated with any stem cell bank. Also check:
The registration, accreditation and certification of the private bank.
The transparency that the bank follows during the signing up of the agreement.
Read reviews online about their services.
Check if the stem cell bank has received genuine awards and recognitions.
Go for a bank that has received accolades for its technology.
Check if the bank provides Human Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) Assays and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Typing tests.
Check if the bank uses cryogenic storage pouches.
Check the bank network and see if they will be able to deliver the stored stem cell when required.
Check if the transportation cost is covered.
Check if the bank has adequate safety and security measures.
Check what will happen if the facility goes out of business.
Check if there is any compensation provided in case of loss or damage of the stored stem cell.
Check if the bank is providing an additional storage programme. The primary agreement usually lasts for 21 years. However, some banks offer an additional 54 years of the storage facility.
Select a bank with a global reputation.
As a parent, the above pointers should guide you to choose the best stem cell bank. It is important to make sure you choose the right place because preserving a baby’s cord blood is once in a lifetime opportunity and there is no scope of going wrong with it.
