Public banks
A primary concern with
public banking is how to ensure the safety of the cord blood. Because of
privacy concerns, it is agreed by most ethical review boards
that blood donated to a public bank cannot be permanently linked to the donor.
Although cord blood which is donated goes through a series of tests for
potentially harmful genetic disorders and viruses, some genetic disorders such
as congenital anemia or immune deficiencies might not become apparent in the
donor for months or years, by which time all identifying information has long
been removed. Because the recipient of the blood could also develop these
disorders, this is an important concern.
Private banks
Private banking is costly to
insurers compare to public banking, private parties, averaging $2500. The
ability to use the cord blood may also depend on the long-term commercial
viability of the enterprise. Accordingly, whether cord blood banking is a
worthwhile expenditure for the expectant parent depends in part upon whether
the expenditure is offset by the likelihood of ultimately using the cord blood
and by the benefits of such use.
Some cord blood banks are
publicly traded on a stock exchange and perform research, claiming that this
makes them more trustworthy; however, such activities may not directly benefit
their clients.
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