The decision to bank a cord blood is a big risk. Just this summer, Crystal Prince wondered why BioBancUSA (a cord blood bank in Monterrey California) was not answering her phone calls and e-mails. She was very worried and no one to turn to but to ask for help from the media.
Crystal along with an investigative reporter from KTVT traveled 1600 miles just to get to Monterrey. Arriving at the place, they just found out all their assumptions were true. The place was abandoned and there was nothing in there but a sign taken down from a wall.
Robert Hayner is the owner of BioBancUSA and it is confirmed he filed for bankruptcy early this year and owes a total of $10 million. The cord blood bank has failed to monitor its samples since then but still asking for fees to their subscribers. The Department of Health also admitted the company operated without a medical director since October this year. Even the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) had not checked BioBancUSA for two years. Right before the filing for bankruptcy, the FDA already shut down at least two cord blood banks.
Crystal got emotional and said. “I’m very angry for the fact that somebody might have just taken something that could save my daughter’s life but what will hurt me the worst is losing my child because somebody might have been too careless.”
Crystal’s story must serve as a guide to every pregnant mom out there. Researching for a cord blood bank is your first priority before deciding to store. A cord blood bank must be certified and its storage facilities are regularly updated and well-maintained. If possible, the company must offer stem cell therapy. If this option is not offered, the company does not provide enough for the price their clients pay.
Lastly, the company must be tied with a big hospital to ensure the cord blood cells are immediately delivered in the cord blood bank.