Stem cell collection the Cells4Life way

the experts in stem cell storage

Cells4life is the only UK company that captures Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs), Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells (VSELs) all within whole cord blood storage.

Cells4Life was founded by doctors to store their own children's stem cells. We strive to set the industry leading standards for collection, processing and long-term storage of your child's stem cells.  We were the first UK company to store a sample and stores more UK samples than any other private bank.

The 10 things you need to know about us:

The only company to store whole blood in the UK

Cells4Life is the only UK company to store whole blood from the umbilical cord, not just the extracted stem cells.

Why? Whole blood contains all the cells found in extracted stem cell samples; it contains the newly discovered VSELs; and many other components, such as Cord Blood Factor, that help the baby grow in the womb are exclusively found in whole cord blood.

In addition, whole cord blood has been shown to be of greater therapeutic value in recent peer-reviewed publications than extracted stem cells. We are storing for future uses, for example diabetes, which do not use extracted haematopoietic stem cells. Stem cells can be extracted from frozen thawed blood so there is no advantage to our clients in performing an irreversible process that will be throwing away material that may be needed in the future.

We are the only stem cell storage company in the UK to have an HTA licence that stores whole blood

We regularly update our stem cell information library from scientific peer-reviewed publications. Customers receive newsletters about the company and the latest stem cell research.

The only UK company to store your child's stem cells in 2 physically separate locations

To protect you in the event of a disaster, we store your child's cord blood at two geographically separate locations.

The only UK company with true 24/7, 365 days per year open laboratory

The viability of your baby's sample declines rapidly with time. The quicker it is cryopreserved, the greater the viability. Our laboratory is open every day of the year, evenings, weekends and bank holidays, even Christmas Day. You cannot determine when you baby will arrive so we are always ready to receive it.

25 years prepaid storage - the longest of any UK storage provider at the same cost

We offer 25 years prepaid storage for your child's cord blood at the same cost as other UK companies that only offer 20 years. After the initial 25 years you can choose to renew for a further period.

Our standard service plan includes all stem cell groups, MSCs and HSCs

Whole cord blood already contains the extra MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells) that are being offered as a separate service at an additional cost by some of the other UK storage banks. Why pay extra?

We store your child's stem cells in 3 – 6 separate samples

We will store your child's cord blood in 3 to 6 separate portions (divided in 2 separate locations) so that should the need arise we can use only a small part, leaving the remaining blood and stem cells undamaged. This might allow testing or assessment of compatibility to be done easily and effectively.

We only use courier collection* – time is of the essence for cell viability

We use an experienced, single-use courier vehicle to collect your child's stem cells sample. This gives the reassurance that the company collecting your child's precious cord blood stem cells knows how valuable they are, treating the sample with the utmost care while getting it to us as quickly as possible. Again, this is unique to Cells4Life.

* overseas service may differ from this due to courier constraints and customs.

We give you a certificate of analysis for your child’s stem cells

As soon as your sample arrives, we start testing. Upon completion we issue you with a certificate of your child's stem cells' analysis and the results of all our testing, including maternal virus testing. These results are verified and signed by a medical doctor and an HTA Designated Individual. For further information on our testing process please click here.

We do not donate to a public bank

We keep all of the stem cells and umbilical cord blood just for your baby, nothing is given away. This is because only a limited volume of blood can be collected and at present this is only sufficient to treat a small child with a serious illness. Reducing this sample could put your child’s life at risk.

We regularly update our stem cells information library with scientific peer-reviewed publications. Customers receive newsletters about the company including the latest stem cells research. Please click here for latest research and news.

We regularly update our stem cells information library with scientific peer-reviewed publications. Customers receive newsletters about the company including the latest stem cells research. Please click here for latest research and news.

Request Welcome Pack

request welcome packIf you would like detailed information on the Cells4Life Stem Cell Storage Service
please click here.