How to Choose Between Cord Blood Banks: A Decision Framework

Start with accreditation

Three accreditations matter: FDA registration (the legal minimum for any U.S. bank), AABB accreditation (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies), and FACT accreditation (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy). FACT is the most rigorous and is the standard most major transplant centers prefer. A bank without at least AABB or FACT accreditation should generally be excluded.

Ask how the sample is processed

Modern banks use automated processing systems (Sepax, AXP, PrepaCyte-CB) rather than older manual methods. Automated processing produces more consistent stem cell recovery — typically 85–95% versus 75–85% manual. Also ask whether the sample is stored as whole blood or red-cell-reduced (red-cell-reduced is the modern standard for transplant-ready samples).

Look at the company behind the bank

Storage commitments run 20+ years, so financial stability matters. Look for parent-company ownership, years in operation, total samples stored, and documented transplant releases. Be cautious of newer banks without a track record, and ask explicitly what happens to your sample if the company is acquired or shuts down.

Read the contract — specifically

• What's the all-in 20-year cost including annual storage?
• What are the cancellation and refund terms?
• What's the transfer fee if you move your sample to another bank?
• What's the liability cap if the sample is lost?
• Are there automatic price increases or only at renewal?
• Do they store split samples in separate facilities?

Test the customer experience

Call the bank's 24-hour line before signing. Ask about courier coverage at your delivery hospital and how late you can enroll. A bank that can't get you a real person on the phone before you pay isn't going to be more responsive at 2 a.m. when you're in labor.