Cord blood contains blood-forming stem cells used to treat certain blood, immune, and metabolic disorders. Decide early whether to donate publicly or store privately, weigh costs and likely need, and coordinate with your prenatal team.
Cord blood contains transplantable stem cells. Decide before delivery whether to donate to a public bank or store privately. Discuss medical need, delayed cord clamping, accreditation, costs, and bank policies with your care team.
Compare cord blood banks by accreditation, lab performance, processing methods, costs, and retrieval logistics to choose a provider that fits your family's goals.
A concise, up-to-date overview of cord blood collection methods (in utero and ex utero), laboratory processing, testing, cryopreservation, and the choice between private storage and public donation.