Umbilical cord blood testing

In line with the European Directive, MHRA guidelines and scientific best practice, there is a range of tests required to ensure that only potentially therapeutic samples are stored. All umbilical cord blood samples are assessed as follows upon receipt at the laboratory. 

1. On arrival at the laboratory, each cord blood sample is carefully identified and cross checked.

2. The volume of blood collected is calculated. A well known and proven preservative agent is then added to protect the cells during the freezing and storing.

3. Up to three (depending on blood volume) 5 ml samples and two 2ml samples are removed to be stored in separate containers to the major portion of the blood. The division of the sample allows for repeat testing to confirm a positive result, for future testing if the sample is required. It may also allow multiple uses of a single blood unit (depending on the condition treated) or the amplification of a small portion of the unit without needlessly having to thaw too large a sample.

4. All samples are stored together in a heat sealed and bar-coded cryogenic freezing sleeve for secure, tamperproof storage and rapid identification. The reference samples will allow detailed testing to be performed on the blood prior to release of the main sample.
   

5. A small volume of the cord blood is sent for bacterial contamination testing and to perform viability analysis.

6. Viability testing is then performed to ensure that a high percentage of stem cells are viable (alive) prior to the freezing process.

7. The split sample and reference samples are then heat sealed and barcode checks identify and locate the sample as it is placed into the main cryogenic freezing tanks for safe long-term storage.

8. Controlled rate freezing is then performed at an extremely slow rate to freeze the stem cells to cryogenic temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius) without damaging the structure of the cells.

At Cells4Life, this process is completed on average 12.3 hours from notification, one of the fastest times to processing available worldwide

Testing of collected maternal blood sample

The collected maternal blood sample is tested for the following conditions in accordance with EU and Department of Health guidelines:

HIV 1 and 2
Hepatitis B and C
CMV
THPA
HTLV 1 and 2

Cells4life stores umbilical cord blood for autologous use only and is required to perform the maternal blood sample testing as outlined above once, upon receipt of the sample at the laboratory. For samples that are intended for non-autologous use, 6 month post birth testing is required e.g. public banks directed donation scenarios. In the event you wish to use the sample for someone else further testing would be required in line with the legislation in force at that time.

Failure of testing

Any failure of testing, at any stage will result in a full refund as detailed in our cord blood storage agreement.