FACT Submits Letter to the Editor of New York Times Regarding Cord Blood Bank Article
The New York Times published an article on July 15, 2024 titled Promised Cures, Tainted Cells: How Cord Blood Banks Mislead Parents that described families’ negative experiences with cord blood banking. FACT empathizes with the families featured in the article and wrote a letter to The New York Times editor to state that cord blood has proven benefits and to emphasize the importance of the quality of cord blood units.
The full letter is below, and is also posted on the FACT website.
July 19, 2024
RE: Promised Cures, Tainted Cells: How Cord Blood Banks Mislead Patients
To the Editor of the NY Times:
The Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) empathizes with families with disappointing cord blood banking experiences described in the July 15 article. Cord blood therapies have proven benefits. We emphasize that the quality of the cord blood units is critical for positive outcomes.
FACT sets quality standards and awards voluntary accreditation in cord blood banking. Standards are developed by experts; open for public comment prior to publication; and cover cord blood collection, processing, storage, and release. Use of an accredited bank provides the best assurance of viable and safe cord blood units suitable for treatment.
FACT Standards address several concerns raised in the article. Standards require that:
- Advertising claims are supported by scientific literature.
- Collections are performed by trained professionals according to standard operating procedures.
- Supplies are qualified and inspected prior to use.
- Transport of cells is appropriate.
- Testing is performed prior to storage.
- Families are notified if privately banked units do not meet quality specifications.
FACT encourages parents considering cord blood banking to ask questions, understand the potential limitations, and consider working with a FACT-accredited cord blood bank.
Sincerely,
Phyllis I. Warkentin, MD Catherine M. Bollard, MBChB, MD
FACT Chief Medical Officer FACT President
