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Frequently Asked Questions... I speak at local child birth classes introducing The Baby Signs® Program and Viacord. Below are several standard questions I receive about umbilical Cord Blood Banking and my experience with Viacord...
Why did I join Parents Educator Network? I joined ViaCord’s Parent Educator Network because I believed so strongly in cord blood banking and wanted to educate expecting families on the power and potential of cord blood preservation. My goal is to help families make an informed decision about this one-time opportunity. I do not work for Viacord. I am just a mom that used them for my family.
What is cord blood and why is it so valuable? Your baby’s cord blood is a valuable source of stem cells; the building blocks of organ tissue, blood and immune systems. Cord blood stem cells, like bone marrow stem cells, are free of political and ethical debate. Today, cord blood stem cells are proven to treat over 40 life-threatening diseases and over 8,000 transplants have been performed worldwide. Cord blood is a guaranteed match for the baby and may also provide potential treatment for other family members as well.
Why should I bank my baby’s cord blood? Storing your newborn’s cord blood means that should there be a need, your baby will have a source of stem cells that is an exact match, with no risk of rejection. There is also a strong possibility that his/her siblings will be a match as well. This is important because clinical studies demonstrate that stem cells transplants are twice as successful when the stem cells come from a family member rather than from a non-relative (e.g., a public bank).
Why should I bank with ViaCord? ViaCord is not just a cord blood bank, they are recognized leaders in cord blood stem cell research. ViaCord’s scientific expertise is an important benefit to your family. ViaCord pays special attention to your baby’s cord blood throughout its collection, processing and storage so that if it is ever needed for transplant, it will be of the highest quality. ViaCord co-developed an exclusive FDA-approved cord blood collection bag, the only FDA-approved cord blood collection bag available in the industry. ViaCord’s FDA-approved cord blood collection bag is suitable for use in a sterile field, which is important because over 30% of babies are delivered by planned and unplanned cesarean sections. ViaCord has a proven history of delivering safe and effective units for transplant.
What kinds of advancements have been made with cord blood stem cells? In 1988 the odds of being diagnosed by the age of 50 with a disease currently treatable with cord blood stem cells was 1 in 300,000 and the number of diseases treatable with cord blood was one. Today, the calculated probability of being diagnosed could be as high 1 in 100 and the number of treatable diseases is over forty* *Statistics based on Abt Associates Clinical Trials 2004 UCB study. Estimates reflect an upper limit on the probability of using a cord blood graft. Not all patients with a disease treatable with cord blood stem cells will qualify for transplant. Lifetime probability is 1 in 27. Currently, using unmanipulated stem cells derived from a single cord as a sole treatment option will likely not be adequate to treat an adult patient.
What is the future for cord blood stem cells? Medical researchers are exploring new uses for umbilical cord blood stem cells, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Today, scientists are doing pre-clinical research using cord blood stem cells to potentially treat various cancers and heart disease. Breakthroughs in these early stage programs could potentially increase the value of your family’s cord blood stem cells.
How is cord blood collected? After you enroll, you will receive a collection kit with everything your medical staff needs to collect your baby’s cord blood. You’ll keep your kit with your pre-packed hospital luggage so it will be ready when the big day arrives. After your baby is born, and after the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut, your obstetrician or midwife will collect the cord blood. The blood will flow by gravity into the bag until it stops. The actual collection typically takes three to five minutes. After the cord blood has been collected, the blood bag your obstetrician or midwife seals the bag and places it back inside the collection box. Have a family member or friend call the toll free number on the side of the collection box to let us know the cord blood has been collected. ViaCord will send a private medical courier to pick up the blood at the hospital and transfer for processing and storage.
How long can cord blood stem cells be stored? Scientific research has yet to determine the actual length of time these cells can be stored and still be viable. It is known that cord blood stem cells remain viable for many years and possibly decades. So far, the longest time bone marrow stem cells have been frozen and successfully transplanted was eleven years as reported by Dr. Joe Antin in Bone Marrow Transplantation in 1992. Dr. Peter Kobylka of the University of Amsterdam showed viability of cord blood stem cells frozen for 15 years.
How do I enroll with ViaCord? Enrollment is quick and easy. Call ViaCord at 1-888-758-5115. Mention Amy Harbour (#521) in order to receive the most up to date discount!
What does it cost to bank with ViaCord? The cost for collection and processing is about $2000 plus a yearly storage fee of about $125. ViaCord provides multiple payment plans with payments as low as $50 per month. Payments don’t start until after the birth of your baby. ViaCord also offers an online gift registry where you can invite your friends and family to help you pay for this service. It is a truly unique baby gift -- one that lasts a lifetime.
Viacord is headquartered in Massachusetts’s and their storage facility is right outside of Cincinnati in Hebron, KY. |