+Cord information guide

Cord tissue is a rich source of certain types of stem cell, primarily Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Additionally, cord tissue contains Vascular Endothelial and Perivascular Cells both of which may be of therapeutic use in the long term.

Why store cord blood and cord tissue?

Storing cord tissue will increase the number of MSCs harvested and will add further cell types not present in whole cord blood. Although overall numbers of MSCs may be less than those in the cord blood, cord tissue MSCs will enhance the overall cell sample size, and provide cell types which look increasingly likely to be therapeutically beneficial.

Why is Cells4Life's +Cord service unique?

Cells4Life is the only company in the world to store both whole cord blood and cord tissue.

When do you take the cord?

The collection process takes place after the final stage of birth. It is safe, easy and painless for both mother and baby. Our collection procedure does not interfere with the delivery or subsequent care for mother or baby.

How do you do it?

After the safe delivery of your child, the placenta is delivered and your obstetrician or midwife cleans the umbilical cord (with the materials provided) and takes a clean cord tissue sample. The sample is put into a sterile container containing tissue preserving solution and, along with the blood, put into the shipping container for courier collection. The whole process takes only a few minutes.

How much does it cost?

The +Cord service costs £475 in addition to Cells4Life whole cord blood storage. It includes sample collection, processing, blood testing and the first 25 years of storage. Thereafter, there is an annual storage fee. To find out more talk to one of our advisors on 01444 873950.

Why store both cord blood and cord tissue?

Cells4Life is the only company in the world offering whole cord blood and cord tissue storage. By capturing both whole blood and cord tissue Cells4Life stores more stem cell types than anyone else, with the additional benefit of an overall larger volume being made available for future treatments.

Whole cord blood contains a rich source of key stem cell types; including Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs), Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), Very Small Embryonic Like Stem Cells (VSELs) and Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells (USSC). The cord blood offers a rich source of HSCs meaning it is best suited for blood related therapies and treatments. Umbilical cord blood samples have been used in over 20,000 treatments world wide including therapies for Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes and about 80 other potential treatments currently underway.

Additionally storing a piece of the cord has unique benefits, including a more plentiful source of MSCs. These are used in organ regeneration treatments including heart muscle, limb, bowel, retinal and bone. As with whole cord blood, current treatments on trial will require MSCs within the stored sample. Cells4Life believe that by capturing both whole cord blood and cord tissue, the overall sample will give the most comprehensive treatment potential today and, for access to future treatments in trial.