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What is the chance that my baby or family will ever need these cells?
As it stands today, it is estimated that one in 2,700 babies will use their own cord blood, and one in 1,400 samples will be used to treat a family member. However, if you had asked this question in 1983, the chance that these cells would be used would have been approximately one in 40,000. As research progresses, many doctors and scientists believe stem cells will be a very frequent treatment option for a wide variety of diseases.
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Why should we store our baby’s stem cells?
Currently, there are over seventy diseases for which stem cells have been found to be useful. Some of these diseases, such as leukemia, are common. Some of these diseases are rare. It is our strong belief that stem cells will one day provide treatment for spinal cord injury, breast cancer, burns, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, heart attack, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and numerous other dreadful illnesses.
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Will storing these cells be a waste of money?
As a form of biologic insurance, it is everyone's hope that these cells will not be needed. However, when you realize that 1 out of every 333 baby’s will develop cancer before the age of 21, and you realize that billions of dollars are being spent on stem cell research, you can see just how important stem cell storage may be. Many doctors and scientists believe that this list will grow dramatically over time.
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What about public stem cell banks?
Public stem cell banks are an important resource for those family’s that cannot afford to store their baby’s cells privately. They provide cells to sick patient’s that do not have their own cells to draw upon. The New England Journal of Medicine noted that these cells are useful, but not as likely as one’s own cells to be effective. We at Stork Medical strongly support the development of public banks. These banks will help those of us who were born before stem cell storage was possible and those of us who cannot afford to store privately. Unfortunately, they are less likely to be effective than our own cells. The State of Georgia feels that stem cell storage is so important, it is going to help fund public banks!
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Can my baby’s stem cells help other family members?
With your permission, your baby’s stem cells can be used for any family member. The closer the blood relationship to your baby, the more likely these cells will be effective. In a sense, when you choose to protect your baby’s future health by storing these cells, you are also adding future health protection for the baby’s parents, siblings, and to a lesser extent, other family members as well.
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How is cord blood collected?
This is a pain-free process using umbilical cord blood that would otherwise be discarded. Stem cell collection usually begins several minutes after you and your partner have been given your baby to hold. Nothing extra is done to your baby, and it should not interrupt your bonding time as a family. Prior to delivery, Mom will have to undergo a blood draw, to be sent with the cord blood, to undergo federally mandated screening for infectious diseases.
Your doctor will deliver the placenta (after-birth), and then, using our specialized collection kit, sterilely collect the placental cord blood. Some doctor’s will collect blood from the cord while waiting for the placenta to be delivered. This method tends to increase the amount of blood collected, but increases the risk of contamination. All stem cell samples are tested for viability and contamination prior to being accepted for long-term storage. Pictures of the collection process can be found in our slide show under the “Learn More” tab. Our pamphlet also has several pictures.
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Do we use Heparin-free Collection Bags?
We are pleased that other cord blood collection companies are beginning to use heparin-free cord blood collection bags. As an industry leader in cord blood stem cell processing and storage, Stork Medical has always used collection bags free of heparin. As always, Stork Medical offers the highest quality at the lowest possible price.
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What happens after the cord blood is collected?
After the stem cells are collected, the currier service is contacted for transport. We ask that you keep the sample package with you in your post-partum room. It should be stored at room temperature. Depending upon when you deliver, the sample will either be picked-up the same day or the next morning. Your baby’s stem cells are monitored for temperature control and tracked electronically until they reach the laboratory. Upon reaching the laboratory, the sample is checked for sample size, cell viability and temperature. Starting in the delivery room, and extending throughout the process, your stem cell sample and maternal blood sample are clearly labeled and subsequently given a unique identifier number for easy identification. In the laboratory, the process to isolate stem cells is undertaken and laboratory tests to detect infectious diseases and contamination are administered.
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What collection method does your company use?
Just like the Red Cross, Stork Medical uses blood bags for storage. Multiple compartments are used so that a small amount can be tested or used without disturbing the entire sample. Some companies store stem cell samples in vials. Both of these methods are acceptable. However, for a variety of reasons, we suspect most labs will gradually convert their storage methods to bags.
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How soon do I have to make a decision?
Your friends at Stork Medical will be pleased to help you at any time during your pregnancy. However, there must be enough time for you to fill-out the identification forms, read and sign contracts, review and sign consent forms and make arrangements for payment. Because of this necessary paperwork, and the uncertainty of when your baby will arrive, we recommend that you sign-up as soon as possible. A small deposit is collected when you sign-up.
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What is your refund policy?
If at any time prior to using the kit, you change your mind, you will be entitled to a full refund. If your cord blood is rejected because our experts find that the sample quality or quantity is insufficient, than we ask that you pay $225.00 to help offset some the costs incurred. The remainder of your fee is waived.
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Who is available to help me?
Stork Medical has doctors and nurses on call 24/7 to assist you and your medical team. Our business office remains open during standard work hours. Stork Medical takes pride in its award winning customer service and quality assurance program. We know that you and your family will be impressed!
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What payment options are available?
Stork Medical has numerous payment options. We want our product to be affordable to everyone. “ Pricing Options ” can be viewed on this website. Long-term payment plans start at as little as $40.00/month.
Sign up now!
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