What is stem cell banking?
Stem cell banking is long-term preservation of cells derived from various sources such as umbilical cord, bone marrow, adipose tissue and etc; at -190°C using cryopreservation for future medical use.
Should I store my child’s CordBlood and CordMSCs?
It is ideal to store both as HSCs from cord blood can only differentiate into blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc.). MSCs from Wharton’s jelly can differentiate into other types of cells and tissues like bone, heart, nerve, cartilage, etc.
HSCs and MSCs are equally beneficial, but they demonstrate different functions. For instance, MSCs may not be able to treat blood cancer, while HSCs may. On the other hand, MSCs can improve the engraftment of HSCs transplantation as MSCs are a catalyst to the necessary environment conducive for HSCs functions.
Should I save cord blood for all of my children?
Yes, since the blood is a 25% match in the cases for siblings, it is important to store each baby’s cord blood. It provides related sources of stem cells for potential use and increases the likelihood of a useful match for other siblings. Each child’s cord blood is banked separately, even in the case of identical twins. Cord blood collection also serves as a form of “bio-insurance” against future illnesses requiring stem cell replacement.
How long can the cells be stored?
In theory, there is no limit as to how long they can be stored. The current data indicates that stem cells stored for 15 years can still be successfully used for transplantation. The New York State Health Department guidelines for cord blood banking states that cord blood stem cells can be stored indefinitely in liquid nitrogen.
Is the procedure for collecting cord blood safe?
Yes, the procedure for collecting cord blood is painless and poses no threat to the baby or the mother. Additionally, the collection of cord blood does not interfere with the delivery process. Following standard post-delivery care, the blood remaining in the umbilical cord is collected into a sterile, specially designed cord blood collection bag through a wide bore needle. The blood flows into the bag by gravity until it stops, after which the collection is complete. The blood bag is clamped, sealed and labeled. The procedure usually takes 4-6 minutes. Two tubes of maternal blood will also be drawn.
What happens if the volume of cord blood collected or the cell count is less than the minimum requirement?
If the volume of cord blood collected or the cell count is less than the minimum requirement, the client will definitely be informed. They can then decide whether they want to proceed to store their child’s cord blood.
Does the hospital need to provide any materials for collection?
No, CryoCord will provide you with a collection kit upon enrolment, which has everything you and your obstetrician, nurse or midwife needs to collect the cord blood. Simply bring this kit with you when you go to the hospital for your delivery.
Will any doctor or nurse know how to perform the collection?
Yes. The collection process is straightforward and can be carried out by any doctor, nurse, or midwife. CryoCord will provide clear instructions on how to draw blood from the umbilical cord, although the procedure is very similar to standard blood collection techniques.
What should I do if I decided not to store my baby’s cord blood in private stem cell bank?
Should you decided not to store your baby’s cord blood stem cell in private stem cell bank, you can opt to donate your child’s cord blood to public cord blood bank of Malaysia (Pusat Darah Negara).
Let Us Answer Your Questions
We do not want scientific jargon to be in the way of you understanding the enormous health benefit and protection cell and gene technology can bring to you and your family. Direct your questions to us. We look forward to answering them.