How to Choose a Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank

Umbilical cord stem cells are currently use for the treatment of more than 80 diseases related to the hematological and immune system, such as myeloid leukemia, anemia, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, among others, and constitute the main line of research in regenerative medicine.

Because of the fraud network with stem cells uncovered in recent, we want to take advantage of this to inform you about how the quality of a cord blood bank is measured, and where you should set to distinguish it. When choosing a bank it is important that you have clear the following information:

Number of samples preserved: 

The number of units of blood preserved as well as the number of transplants performed will be the indicators to measure the company's experience, as well as the quality of its services. To check these data you will have to see the data published on the web, and request the number of transplants performed, verifying that these are umbilical cord blood transplants (SCU) and not bone marrow. 

Processing of blood: 

Each bank chooses the processing that suits it, but not all are the same. Separating the cells from the blood does not provide quality, conserving all the blood if it contributes in addition to conserving 20% ​​more cells. You will have to check that they do not perform cellular separation of the blood, to avoid occupying more storage space, with the consequent cell loss.

GMP Certificate:

 Another characteristic that a stem cell blood conservation bank must have is a certificate that guarantees its quality. The GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certificate is recognized by ‘WHO’, and is the only one that certifies the sample as a medicine.

Logistics: 

Logistics is a very important parameter for blood to reach the laboratory perfectly. When hiring the service of a Stem Cell Conservation Bank you should check to verify that, the kit would not be picked up by a messenger, but by personnel trained in the company who can check that the sample arrives completely and well to the laboratory. Verify in the contract that the blood will be processed before 48 hours after birth, and that in case of delay there will be compensation for the number of lost cells.

Minimum number of cells: 

There must be several parameters using that the Bank measures the quality of the blood. The minimum number of cells is one of them since it is one of the factors that most influence the success of a future transplant. By requesting the average number of cells of the samples kept by the Bank and the percentage of samples that are below the minimum value, you can make a comparison. Question the quality of a Bank that does not provide this parameter or say that it has no incidents.
Assurances: 
Finally, look at the words of the contract to sign for stem cell bank, since it is not enough to offer the best, they must guarantee it in writing. The contract must have the following points:

  • Indefinite contract
  • Insurance Insolvency
  • Liability insurance
  • Logistics of transplant in case of treatment
  • Financial help for the treatment
  • Arrival time for processing

We hope this information will help you to save from fraud cord blood bank and you will able to choose the right one.