Latest Whole Cord Blood Research

We are often asked why we are the only UK company that stores all the blood collected at the time of birth (whole cord blood storage) when all our competitors extract the stem cells before freezing (volume reduced storage).

The answer is simple, Cells4Life was founded by scientists and doctors and has always put the child’s long term health options before commercial considerations. Scientifically, whole cord blood storage is the best way to store a child’s cord blood. This is supported by compelling new peer reviewed research that underlines the importance of this method.

Why is whole cord blood the best option?

Whole cord blood already contains the products now offered by our competitors – Some UK companies are now offering to store MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells) alongside the HSCs (Hematopoietic Stem Cells) ones for a separate cost. However, both of these stem cell groups are found in whole cord blood.

Highest level of viability - Whole cord blood goes from receipt to storing in the fastest time in the industry. Delays caused by testing and damage by the centrifuge reduce viability.

The studies of Rogers et al (2001), Wagner et al (1993) and Collins et al (2001) all concluded that prolonged processing time using general extraction methods, resulted in ‘significant loss of the desired stem cells’.

Stem cells can be extracted at anytime – If the patient needs just the stem cells they can be extracted from thawed blood today.

Only whole cord blood has VSELs - A recent major breakthrough is the discovery of VSELs (Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells). It is believed these VSELs are released into the blood during a tissue or organ injury. VSELs contain several features typical of embryonic type stem cells. These properties indicate VSELs are powerful tools of the body for repairing damage.

Extracted stem cells deplete VSELs – The VSELs which are found in the same gradient density as red blood cells are lost by centrifuge extraction of stem cells before storage, are simply thrown away – as are key hormones and growth factors.

They can also be found in other tissue types as can adult stem cells. This was found in research carried out by The University of Louisville. The research went on to say that 50% of these VSELs are lost in volume reduced (extraction) strategies, due to their unique morphology.

Whole cord blood is future proofing – Future treatments may require other cells found only in whole cord blood, as the discovery of VSELs shows, or the addition of MSCs. Volume reducing a sample (extracting the stem cells) means you may not be able to benefit from these treatments or any further discoveries.

Why store extracted stem cells?

The main reason is commercial. Due to the space required, whole cord blood is 9 times more expensive to store than extracted stem cells. The volume reduction methods were developed specifically to allow public banks to operate efficiently when considering treatments for leukaemia.

The commercial ‘space consideration’ issue was highlighted in a report entitled New trends in umbilical cord blood transplantation by bloodjournal.org. It comments that the majority of the world’s blood banks extract to save space costs.

Summary

Why would you not save all the cord blood if it gives you everything currently possible with none of the downsides of extraction?