StemLife for Izac
As most of you know from here, I have been looking around for cord blood banking for the new baby. Currently, there are only two companies available in Malaysia who does this sort of thing, namely StemLife and CryoCord.
I have decided to go with StemLife.
Reasons for my decision:
- StemLife will refund fully on the occasion where the cord blood taken is found not bankable as well as in the case where the cord blood is destroyed by disasters such as tsunami, fire and that sort of thing (On the other hand, CryoCord refunds all except the deposit of RM800).
- After reading up on cord blood collection practices, I noted that the article mentions “a collection that is less than ¼ of the bag will make adequate transplantation questionable”. Although with CryoCord, I know that they collect the blood in 5 different vials for future cloning purposes when it becomes available, I thought StemLife’s method of collecting the blood in one bag is safer… at least I know that there are really enough stem cells in the bag for transplantation if ever the need arise.
- Banking cord blood to me is like buying medical insurance for my children. I know I missed the chance when I had Ivan because then it was still so new, I would not want to miss this chance, as the odds of siblings being a perfect match are 1 in 4.
Upon calling these companies, they will arrange a sales person to meet up with you to try to convince you that their company is best. Although I only met up with StemLife, I have nearly already made my decision before I even met the sales lady from all the reading I did.
On delivery day, blood will not be collected by professionals from these companies… our own gynecologists will be the ones collecting the cord blood and we will then need to inform these companies to send couriers over to bring the blood back to the bank. I was told to call them when I reach the hospital on delivery day and again when baby is about to come out.
So far, no regrets whatsoever… only that hubby’s pocket feels much lighter than before the contract was signed.
Some interesting sites:
- Cord Blood Facts
- Cord Blood Video
- A Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Banks
06 Jan 2006 Sue
You have done very details research over the cord blood banking, good decison you have made!
Mine was under cryo-cord coz I prefer their multiple vials colletion systems. Anyway, the collection was pretty successful, and the stem cell was about 98-99%. As for the refund, their sales ppl told me - if the blood destroyed by disaster they will refund 100%.
Wow, a good report. I am strongly considering storing my next baby’s blood.
wow..jefferene also did stem cell collection!!
Good that u’ve made ur decision
thanks for the info!
keep us posted on the way they do it and the whole process as well as payment
gppd choice. i did it with stemlife too…
good choice
this is good huh for those who plan to do cord blood banking.
I would still go for Crycord though, b’cos 5viles also served as a safety measure (contamination, need to use the blood).. but RM800 deposit forfeited sucks!