Do you know about the nitty-gritty of stem cells and its banking?

In the 21^st century, stem cell research and therapy is fast becoming one of the most promising and exciting development in medicine. It currently has a list of 80+ conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), spinal cord injuries, blindness, and HIV/AIDS that affect millions of people globally, on its potential cure list. With the promise, the field is also laden with controversies, most of which are misconceptions driven through unending debates over ethical beliefs on scientific methods used for research.

1. Stems cells are of different kinds, each with a different purpose.

Non-specialised and uniqueness are the two key characteristics of stem cells. This essentially means that their functionality is not restricted to a singular job. They have the ability to transform and create other types of stem cells like brain, muscle, tissue cells, etc. Every human has cells in their bodies; however, the number of cells in the body of a foetus is much more. 
Adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are the three types of stem cells where research has been focused upon. Throughout our life, these three types of stem cells are produced and maintained in our bodies. Those stem cells that are created under clinical conditions for research purposes help scientists to be able further investigate and study the potential of how stem cells segregate and perform.

2. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells.

A group of American and Japanese scientists have created another type of stem cell. These are akin to skin cells and have been reprogrammed to be analogous in the operations to embryonic stem cells.

Using viruses, these induced pluripotent cells (iPS) have been reprogrammed. This allows the cells to be predisposing to cancer and be used for cellular research. However, the reprogrammed lines are yet to be used in patients. Whilst the discovery of iPS cells is exciting, it is still not clear if they will potentially perform in a similar manner as embryonic stem cells do. Currently, these cells are significantly valuable in terms of research and drug testing.

3. A single stem cell treatment will not work on a variety of unrelated diseases or conditions.

Stem cell therapy whilst being a promising medium of treatment does not fall into the category of "one shoe, fits all" for all disease and conditions. Each cell type has its individualistic function and should not be assumed that throwing them into different tissues will lead to transformation from there. Each disorder has its own underlying cause and thus different cell types would be required to treat them.

If you are interested to know more facts on stem cells, contact Cordlife Sciences India Pvt. Ltd.

Since 2001, Cordlife has provided customers with services based on advanced and up to date technology. With the help of their state-of-the-art laboratory, Cordlife is able to offer the most modern procedures for conducting cord blood processing, testing and cryopreservation at their facility. The company has also received accreditation from FACT in Singapore, and AABB in Singapore, India and Hong Kong and currently offers storage capacity of 150,000 cord blood units in India which can be scaled up as well.

Let’s solve your queries about stem cell or umbilical cord blood banking.With the excitement of the arrival of your baby also comes a lot of anticipation. This is also the time when you are given the chance to do something exceptional for your baby and your family - the opportunity to store your newborn’s cord blood stem cells.

1. How the bank will guarantee that the cord blood unit will be collected by a trained professional in cord blood collection.

A trained phlebotomist, midwife or doctor should be available to collect the cord blood. Risk

assessment and suitability of the premises where the collection of the cord blood sample would take place is equally important and should be done by a trained individual. You should additionally enquire of the arrangements that have to be made in case the assigned phlebotomist is not able to reach the hospital or birthing centre in time for the baby’s delivery.

2. What is the Transit time of the sample from collection to bank?

Enquire about the maximum time allowed between a cord blood unit being collected and stored. Also discuss the scenario if the unit is not preserved within the prescribed time-frames.

It is recommended in order to attain optimum viability of the cord blood sample, that it should be stored within 72 hours of collection. The fundamental aspect to accomplish this is to reduce time between collection and cryopreservation. Rising transit time can be damaging to the quality of the cord blood unit. Post receiving the sample, find out how the private cord blood bank will assess the quality of the cord blood units especially if the sample has reached the laboratory beyond the set parameters of transit time. Enquire if the bank will make the quality reports available to you and give you the opportunity to make an informed decision on whether you wish to proceed ahead with preservation of the cord blood.

3. What are the acceptance criteria of the minimum number of cells that must be present for the bank to be able store the cord blood unit.

The acceptance criteria of the minimum stem cells for storage vary in individual private banks. In case the sample is retrieved for therapy, the doctor in charge, testing can let you know if the number of available stem cells will be adequate to proceed with treatment.

4. Is there any test that will be performed when the sample reaches the bank?

Get adequate info on the quality control tests that are done to measure the quality of your cord blood?
Microbiological (bacterial and fungal) impurities, viability testing, total nucleated cell count, CD34+ cell count and colony forming unit assays are some of the customary testing methods used to ascertain the quality of the cord blood unit.

5. Financial viability is a key factor when investing in private cord blood bank storage.

What will happen if the bank should close down, find out how the organization will aid you in transferring the sample to a similar bank.

Read the agreement carefully to check for a clause related to this. If there is no mention of the same, request information of the bank’s representative on their tie-ups if such a situation were to occur.

6. Private banking is expensive. What about the fees and costs for banking your babies cord and blood?

Private banking fees vary. Request a complete breakdown of the charges and get a list of what is inclusive in the cost. For example,

    ·  Collection costs of the trained phlebotomist

   · Reimbursements in case the sample is not collected for emergency deliveries

    ·  Cost implications if the bank went bankrupt

    ·  Transfer of sample if the storage premises were to become unfit for use

You get a single opportunity to store your baby’s cord blood. Ensure you make an informed decision in favour of the cord blood bank of your choice.

Do you think these points solves your query about cord blood banking? It will be better if you speak to an expert. Speak to Cordlife expert today at 1800 419 6200 (Toll Free)

Sources:

·         https://lunginstitute.com/blog/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-stem-cell-therapy/

·         http://www.science20.com/news_releases/5_things_you_should_know_about_stem_cell_research

·         http://www.regenestemasia.com/blog/5-facts-you-didnt-know-about-stem-cell/

·         https://www.babiesonline.com/articles/pregnancy/cordblood.asp

·         https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-public/cord-blood-banking-guide-parents/key-questions-ask-private-cord-blood-banks