The more you read about stem cells, the more questions you might have. Here are the answers to the most frequent questions we receive.
General questions
Can my baby's stem cells also be used for another family member?
In principle, if you have given your written consent for your baby’s stem cells to be donated, they can be used in anyone having a direct match with your child, such as a brother or sister. The chances are 1 in 4 in this case.
How will we know that the cells are compatible for application when needed?
A so-called HLA test (a tissue test match) will need to be done for donor and patient. From within six given parameters, at least four to five should match. Otherwise there is a risk of a life-threatening rejection, the so called Graft versus Host disease (reversed rejection).
In case of a twin, do I need more than one collection kit?
Yes, for twins you need two collection kits. However you receive a reduction for the second child of 50% on the service fee (see pricing section).
Is it possible to sell my stem cells to third parties?
In most countries it is illegal to sell body parts, including blood, to third parties.
Is storing umbilical cord blood painful or dangerous for my baby and me?
There is no need at all to be afraid. Collection takes place immediately following birth, after the cutting of the umbilical cord. It is taken from the part of the umbilical cord connected to the placenta; a painless and risk-free procedure. We always believe the mother’s and baby’s health must come first.
What is the lifetime probability of a person using his stem cells?
Over the course of a lifetime up to age 70, the probability that a person will require a transplant of her own stem cells ("autologous transplant") is 1 in 435 or 0.23%.
Over the course of a lifetime up to age 70, the probability of requiring any transplant, from yourself or another person ("autologous" or "allogeneic" transplant), is 1 in 217 or 0.46%.
When can I expect the collection kit at my home address?
It should be delivered within one to three days after receipt of your order. You will receive the invoice one week after you receive the kit.
Will anyone other than my family have access to these stem cells?
No. We will only release stems cells with the written consent of the parents or guardian of the child.
How can it happen that storage was not successful?
Sometimes the amount of blood taken after delivery could be too low, or could be contaminated due to a non-sterile collection. Careful reading of the instructions enhances the chances of success.
Is there a connection between the volume of the collected blood and the number of stem cells?
In general, there is a direct correlation between the volume of the blood and the number of stem cells. However, in individual cases there are exceptions. The general rule is that the higher the volume collected, the more stem cells, the better.
Why should I still bother saving stem cells at birth if scientists can create Pluripotent Stem Cells?
Creation of so-called “Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPS) from a patient’s own tissues is a useful laboratory research tool in its early stages, to help understand a disease in that patient. For example, it may be possible in the future to use IPS to develop drugs against a specific disease. However, it takes many years to develop a drug, and as such, while IPS cells are interesting, they cannot be considered an alternative for cell therapy. The genetic manipulations required to create IPS mean that they could not currently be safely transplanted. On the other hand, with umbilical cord derived stem cells we are already able to treat more than 70 diseases.
Can’t we wait with collecting stem cells until we really need treatment?
Important differences exist between Umbilical Cord derived Stem Cells (UBSCs), Bone Marrow derived Stem Cells (BMSCs) and “Tissue-specific” Stem Cells. With UCSCs one is able to produce many more cell types, for many more regenerative medicine-related clinical applications. Besides, Stem Cells, like all other cells in the human body, do age, are affected by age, diseases you encounter in life, external factors, (like bacteria, viruses and chemicals) and also by drugs. The earlier collected, the better, younger, and more vital your stem cells will be, and less affected by external factors.
Finally, the earlier you store your stem cells, the less time you will have to wait when they are needed to treat you. Stored/saved stem cells are there when you need them for therapy.
Questions about safety
How can I be assured that Cryo-Save operates according to the latest quality guidelines?
Cryo-Save guarantees the highest quality standards in terms of transport, preparation and security of your child’s stored umbilical cord blood. We are officially accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), for cord blood stem cell processing, cryopreservation, document control, inspection and testing, sample identification and traceability, and verification of cord blood units when released from storage.
Who has access to the laboratory?
Access to the laboratory is strictly controlled – only authorized staff are allowed to enter. For control purposes, the room is monitored round the clock.
Why are maternal blood tests for infectious diseases needed?
Blood tests on the mother's blood are required in order to ensure that you are not suffering from any illness, which could have been transmitted to your child and if transmitted would render the cord blood stem cells unsuitable for storage. This is in accordance with the AABB standards as well as EU Directives' guidelines for tissue banks.
Will the blood be examined thoroughly in the laboratory?
When processing the cord blood, we subject it to a number of tests. We examine whether there is any infection or contamination. Afterwards, we check the vitality of the stem cells. Only if these tests have been completed satisfactorily, we proceed to safe storage. No further tests or research will be conducted on or with your stem cells without your permission.
Questions about later use
What will happen to the stem cells after 20 years?
We will send you a letter and ask whether the stem cells should continue to be stored. This is why it is very important to keep us updated with your contact details.
Who will make sure that the stem cells are in place when we need them?
An accredited centre needs to inform us by telephone or in writing when you need the stem cells. However, the official release of the cells can only be made to an accredited medical centre upon their explicit request. At Cryo-Save we will make sure that these are prepared for shipment free of charge and shipped thereafter.
Why is the blood only stored for 20 years?
We believe that stem cells may be able to be stored for much longer than 20 years and we anticipate extending our storage term as the required scientific evidence becomes available for the safety of long-term stem cell storage. Currently the longest that cells of this type have been stored for is around 28 years. We are therefore using the available clinical evidence to determine our storage term. Many other biological samples and cell types have been cryogenically stored and used successfully after much longer periods.
Questions about costs
Are the costs of the blood tests additional?
The tests for HIV, CMV, Lues, Hepatitus B and C are included.
Continued storage after 20 years, will be at the market prices valid at that time. We can only give a rough indication of the expected price for continuation. Today, we estimate the annual price would be in the range of AED 300. Giving an exact price for the continued storage after 20 years, is impossible since it will depend on factors such as new regulations, storage techniques, inflation and/or costs of materials, staff, facilities and equipment needed, to name a few.
