Cord Blood Bank Selection

The following are some important questions you might want to ask when comparing different cord blood banks as well as FamilyCord's responses to the questions.

For additional information, call a cord blood educator at 800-490-CORD (2673).

1. How long has your company been in business?
2. Is the facility licensed and accredited?
3. Is the cord blood processing and storage done at the same location?
4. Is the collection kit easy for the childbirth professionals to use?
5. Does the company outsource the cord blood processing and storage?
6. Is the company financially stable?
7. Are employees available 24 hours a day to consult before, during and after delivery?
8. What type of support is available for the OB and Labor & Delivery Staff?
9. Are the company's fees affordable and do they offer a payment plan?
10. Does the company assist with arranging shipping of the cord blood after collection?
11. Does the company offer a Public Donation OptionSM?

1. How long has your company been in business?
   California Cryobank, Inc., our parent company, has been a leader in cryogenic tissue storage since 1977. In 1997, California Cryobank added cord blood banking to its portfolio of services and FamilyCord was launched. We have nearly 30 years of cryogenic storage experience and our staff has extensive experience in the area of blood banking.

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2. Is the facility licensed and accredited?
   Yes. FamilyCord is accredited by the AABB and registered with the FDA for storing both umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood stem cells. We are licensed by the California Department of Health Services and the New York State Department of Health, the only states that have issued cord blood banking regulations. Our state-of-the-art laboratory is compliant with all relevant Federal and State regulations.

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3. Is the cord blood processing and storage done at the same location?
   Yes. Unlike some cord blood banks, FamilyCord processes and stores umbilical cord blood in our Stem Cell Laboratory located in Los Angeles, California. Our laboratory is separate from our parent company, a reproductive tissue bank, also located in Los Angeles, California.

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4. Is the cord blood collection kit easy for the childbirth professionals to use?
   Yes. FamilyCord's collection procedure has been complimented by childbirth professionals as having clear and concise instructions that are simple to follow and easy to use.

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5. Does the company outsource the cord blood processing and storage?
   No. FamilyCord does not outsource the processing and/or storage of our client's cord blood stem cells units. Unlike many other cord blood banks, we own and operate all aspects of our cord blood bank.

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6. Is the company financially stable?
   Yes. With a precious resource like cord blood stem cells, you'll want to be sure that the company you choose for your cord blood storage and processing will be there if and when you need them. California Cryobank, our parent company, has been a leader in cryogenic storage for nearly 30 years. Since we have diverse businesses, our future does not depend on a single activity.

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7. Are employees available 24 hours a day to consult before, during, and after delivery?
   Yes. FamilyCord's staff can be reached 24 hours a day for support before, during, and after the delivery.

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8. What type of support is available for the OB and Labor & Delivery Staff?
   FamilyCord provides training materials to childbirth professionals detailing the collection of cordblood. In addition, our staff is always available if questions arise during the delivery and collection.

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9. Are the company's fees affordable and do they offer a payment plan?
   Yes. FamilyCord understands that there are many costs involved in having a child. Our first year cost is considerably less than most other cord blood banks and we also offer in-house payment plans. For more information on our fees and payment plans, please call us at 800-490-CORD (2673).

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10. Does the company assist with arranging shipping of the cord blood after collection?
    Yes. FamilyCord has contracted with AirNet Express, a specialized medical courier that is available to pick-up your cord blood at your hospital 24/7. Offering the best and most efficient service in the field of umbilical cord blood banking, AirNet has a private fleet of planes in addition to commercial flights. All you have to do is make one call to AirNet to inform them you are ready for pick up.

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11. Does the company offer a Public Donation OptionSM?
    Yes. In August 1, 2005, FamilyCord launched its unique Public Donation Option for families who, after 10 years of storage, wish to make their baby's cord blood stem cells available to the public. If the unit is released for transplant, the client may be refunded some or all of the fees paid for processing and storage. Learn more about our Public Donation Option or contact one of our cord blood educators at 800-490-CORD (2673) with any questions.

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