AUGUST 2017

AABB, CLIA, etc. It can all be a bit much, but they are more than just a bunch of letters. Here is the rundown: All cord blood banks need to be FDA-registered, which means all cord blood banks need to have or use a lab that is cGTP-compliant. To get easier access to treatments for not only the baby but also other relatives, the lab must be CLIA-compliant as well. New York, California, New Jersey, Illinois, and Maryland also require licensure in in order to conduct business in and with residents of those states. If you want a cord blood bank that has gone the extra mile to ensure the highest standards and protocols look for accreditation by AABB and FACT and cGMP compliance.

Pregnancy is no easy task. There’s a lot to do, and a lot to deal with. One of the more time-consuming aspects is all the research that needs to be performed on everything from the best car seat to the right pediatrician. Cord blood banking is a hurdle upon itself. Often expectant parents need to learn what cord blood banking is and why cord blood banking is important, and then it’s time to determine which cord blood bank is best for them.