FAQ Cryo-Save Arabia
Are the costs of the blood tests additional?
The tests for HIV, CMV, Lues, Hepatitus B and C are included.
Does anyone else have a right of access to the stem cells?
Without written permission from the mother, the parents or guardian(s), the stem cells will not be released from our safe storage.
How can I be assured that the laboratories operate according to the latest quality guidelines?
Our lab in Germany is accredited according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and in Belgium according to NBN EN ISO 17025, and we respect all local legal and standards requirements. Our laboratory in Dubai is licensed and regulated by Dubiotech (Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park) and is also undergoing accreditation by the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks).
How can it happen that a 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. We have a success rate though of more than 85% of all samples. Careful reading of the instructions enhances the changes of success.
If a family member of the donor falls ill and stem cells might be applicable, how will we know that the cells are compatible?
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% of the total price.
In how many cases is no compatible bone marrow or cord blood donor found for a needy patient?
In approximately 40% of patients no donor (someone other than the patient), can be found in an acceptable time frame.
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 the blood tested?
Before stem cells are isolated (separated), a number of quality controls are performed. The number of stem cells is determined, and the sample is tested for possible bacterial contamination. After isolation, the cells are tested for their vitality, which we call "potency."
Is the collection of umbilical cord blood painful or risky for the mother?
No, the procedure is without any danger and painless for mother and child. The baby is already disconnected from the cord. It is therefore totally non invasive.
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 more stem cells the better.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the basic building-block-cells of life. During embryonic development they specialise to become all the various types of cells of the body, from cardiac muscle cells, nerve cells, red blood cells or skin cells, or even for example the cells which make an eye. Later in the fully formed body stem cells repair damaged tissue and continuously replace depleted cells, for example the replenishment of our red blood cells. The cells perform a crucial role in the health and well-being of every one of us. They can be used in transplantation to "heal" areas where cells and tissue are dangerously missing or damaged.
What are the costs if the storage is not successful?
In the event that the stem cells cannot be stored, for whatever reason, only the costs for the collection kit, processing and testing will be charged, i.e. AED 3,000. The additional costs of AED 10,000 will not be charged.
What are the costs of prolonging the agreement?
Prolonging the agreement for a further period of 20 years will amount to AED 6,000, plus a correction for inflation.
What are the costs?
The total, all-inclusive price of our service is AED 13,000. For more details, see our price page.
What happens if the sample cannot be collected?
In a case where the sample cannot be collected there will be no further financial obligations to Cryo-Save. However we cannot return the AED 3,000 because this covers the costs for the collection kit, the processing and testing.
What happens to the sample after 20 years?
After 20 years, your child will receive a letter asking whether he or she wants to continue the stem cell storage. This means that an additional fee will have to be arranged.
What is the probability that a person will require a stem cell transplant over the course of a lifetime?
- 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 450 or 0.23%
- Over the course of a lifetime up to age 70, and the probability of requiring any transplant, from yourself or another person ("autologous" or "allogeneic" transplant), is 1 in 220 or 0.46%.
Reference: Pasquini, MC, Logan, BR, Verter, F, Horowitz, MM, & Nietfeld, JJ 2005 Abstract published in Blood (2005) 106:1330
Previous references:
- 1 in 2,703 probability of autologous transplant up to age 20: F.L. Johnson, 1997; J Ped Hem Onc 19(3): 183-186 (probability based on diagnosis rates and treatment modalities)
- 1 in 20,000 probability of autologous transplant up to age 20: G.J. Annas, 1999; NEJM 340: 1521-1524. (probability is stated without proof)
- 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 200,000 probability of autologous transplant over a lifetime: R.M. Kline, April 2001; Sci Amer 4: 30-37. (probability is stated without proof)
What would happen to the sample if, for example, Cryo-Save filed for bankruptcy?
Cryo-Save has made financial provision for each and every client, through a company specialised in cryopreservation. The safe stem cell storage over the agreed period is therefore fully guaranteed.
When can I expect the collection kit at my home address?
In general it will be within one to three days after receipt of your order. You will receive the invoice one week after sending the kit to you.
When is stem cell storage considered successful? And what happens when cells cannot be cryopreserved?
More than one million stem cells is an excellent sample and could be used for a transplantation in an adult, even without expansion. Between 100,000 and one million stem cells is also good, but without expansion the cells cannot be used for transplantation in an adult person. Fewer than 100,000 stem cells is too low, even for expansion. In this case we do not charge for processing and stem cell storage.
When should parents send their application to Cryo-Save?
To be certain the collection kit arrives in time, considering the fact your baby might arrive earlier than planned, we recommend ordering the collection kit at least three weeks in advance. If you are already two weeks or less before the expected delivery, we will send you the collection kit via a courier service with the additional cost of 20 - 50 EUROS, depending on the country.
Who else could use the stem cells of my child?
In principle, any member of the family could use the cells, a medical "match" would be necessary and we will need written consent from you.
Who has access to the lab?
Access to the lab is totally restricted. Only authorized employees have access to the storage facility. This room is permanently secured for unauthorised access and fire and has state-of-the-art security measures.
Who is responsible for the transportation to the lab?
After birth, you or your midwife will phone the free-phone number of the courier which is mentioned on the enclosed sending procedure. You can order the courier service at the notified address and we they will transport the sample to our laboratory. The costs of the courier to pick up the sample is included in the price of AED 13,000.
Who will be responsible for transportation if and when the stem cells are needed for transplantation?
If the stem cells are required for transplantation in Europe they will be dispatched within 48 hours upon written request. The transportation will be organised by Cryo-Save.
Why are blood tests for infectious diseases needed, as there is no apparent indication in our own family?
Blood tests are done routinely to exclude contamination of the sample. The test absolutely ensures that the blood is not contaminated with HIV, CMV, Lues, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
Why is the blood only stored for 20 years?
We believe that stem cells may be able to be stored for a 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 cells of this type have been stored for is around 28 years. We therefore are 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.
