How long can stem cells be cryogenically stored?

There is no evidence at present that [cord blood stem] cells stored at minus 196 degrees Celsius (in liquid nitrogen) in an undisturbed manner lose either in vitro-determined viability or biological activity. Therefore, at the current time, no expiration date need be assigned to cord blood stored continuously under liquid nitrogen.” (1)

Stem cells can be cryogenically stored indefinitely. The longest time period in which cells have been cryogenically stored and subsequently transplanted is 15 years. Because the process of cord blood stem cell transplants is relatively new, data is limited to verify any time period longer than 15 years.

(1)Guidelines for Collection, Processing and Storage of Cord blood stem cells; New York State Department of Health