Find a cord blood bank that is right for you. 

All cord blood banks are not created equal.

If you want to privately store your baby's cord blood (family banking), you have a multitude of choices from a variety of locations with numerous services and perks. Many of these family banks are accredited by the AABB or FACT / WMDA. These groups accredit cord blood banks worldwide. 

IMPORTANT:  Keep in mind accreditation is not a requirement for private banks but simply an indicator of quality standards and makes the process easier should you one day need to use your child's cord blood.  For public banks, accreditation is usually required because these cords are shipped worldwide. 
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What is the difference between "accreditation" and "licensed?"

At a minimum, banks are typically registered with the appropriate authorities in their country or region who provides them with a "license." However, this does not necessarily mean that the bank is "accredited." Accreditation is typically provided by other groups like AABB or FACT/WMDA. For example, if a cord blood bank is operating in the USA, it should be listed with the FDA. In the UK, the group would be listed with the HTA. 

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Do I need to know this if I am going to donate cord blood?

The short answer is no. A true public donation program has already acquired the necessary licenses and accreditation in order to register cords on a public registry or to donate the cords to research. It is worth noting that if a cord blood donation does not meet with the required criteria it is often donated to research. Some programs only donate to research. 

If you are hoping to donate your baby's cord blood to a public bank, location is more of a challenge. Public donation programs are often few and far between due to difficult logistics, lack of funding and general awareness.  However, hybrid cord blood banks can sometimes fill the gap. Hybrid banks around the world are working diligently to provide donation programs in locations without established programs. They often depend on "mail-in" kits and require the mother or father to be very pro-active early in the pregnancy applying to the program and completing the necessary forms. 

Note: Save the Cord Foundation does not own, endorse or accredit any cord blood banks. 

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Wait!

Before you view the lists of banks below, make sure you understand your options:

Go to the Step-by-Step Cord Blood Guide

View a list of banks from each of these organizations (in alphabetical order):

Accreditation Groups

AABB accredits public, private and hybrid cord blood banks.
​Find their list here.

NMDP: BeTheMatch works only with public donation programs at participating hospitals.
​Find their list here.

FACT (Netcord) accredits public, private and hybrid banks.
​Find their list here. 

Licensing Groups

Public, private and hybrid cord blood banks operating in the USA are required to register with the FDA. The FDA does not "accredit" cord blood banks. Accreditation is optional and done by other organizations such as FACT-Netcord, WMDA or AABB.
Search the FDA's database HERE to find a cord blood bank.

Public, private and hybrid cord blood banks operating in the UK are required to register with the HTA. The HTA does not "accredit" cord blood banks. Accreditation is optional and done by other organizations such as FACT-Netcord, WMDA or AABB.
Search the HTA's database HERE to find a cord blood bank.

Our list is always evolving. Did we overlook an accreditation group or licensing group in your area?

Please contact us.