Once the blood arrives at our laboratory, it is assigned to a technician who will see the processing and cryopreservation through to fruition.

Your cord blood is given a unique identifying number. Each vial is clearly marked with: Cord Blood Identifying Number, Date of Birth, Baby's Name, Date of Processing, and Contents. Once the stem cells are separated from the red blood cells and plasma, they are placed in 5 ml cryo-vials in preparation for freezing and storage. Your vials are then sent to the first stage of the cryopreservation process which is a slow-rate introduction to the freezing process. Next, your vials are placed in our liquid nitrogen tanks where they remain for potential future use. We take the extra step of slow-rate introduction to ensure the safety of the cells. The progression to lower and lower temperatures keeps the cells from going into shock from the extreme negative temperature of -321° Fahrenheit.

How are the Cells Stored?

Your cord blood sample will be tested for bacterial and fungal contamination when it arrives at the lab. All expectant mothers receive extensive prenatal laboratory tests prior to delivery; therefore, additional tests on your baby’s cord blood are not required.

We store your stem cells in multiple vials

From experience, our lab has found that storing only MNC’s, and using individual vials, has two key benefits: First, this method appears to produce cells with greater viability than cells stored in whole blood. Second, individual vials allow the client the option of using just the number of cells required in the event they are needed for treatment.

All of our long term storage tanks are located in our highly monitored and secured facility. You can feel secure knowing your baby’s cord blood is being handled by laboratory personnel with years of experience.

What Solvent Is Used To Prevent the Cells From Freezing?

We use a cryo-protectant, DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) to act as a shield arount the stem cells. This solution is spun out of the stem cells in the event the cells are needed for transplant.