Processing

Sample procurement

The technique of double cell separation is applied depleting that way erythrocytes and accomplishing a small final cryopreservation volume which allows better viability and reclamation.

Patient’s protection from the complications of severe haemolysis and the toxic cryoprotectant reagent (DMSO) is accomplished by this procedure and gives the potential of partial freezing and multiple uses of the sample.

The cryopreservation of large volume samples results in stem cell’s death during defreezing because during that step, DMSO and haemoglobin must be removed. A large volume of cryopreservation solution demands requires plastic freezing bags and cryopreservation in the liquid nitrogen vapor phase.

Cryopreservation

The cryopreservation is taking place with a validated, digitally adjustable, controlled rate freezing procedure. The procedure, as it is described above, provides gradual transition in lower temperatures and higher cell viability.

Storage

Samples are fully immersed into the liquid nitrogen in a stable temperature of -196 ˚C, according to the only published protocol with excellent viability results of the stem cells even after 27 years of cryopreservation (Broxmeyeretal 2015). It is generally accepted that this preservation protocol is the only one which promises unlimited viability time (half life 2000 years) and for this reason it is followed by the biggest private cord blood banks of the world.

On the contrary, public banks, limiting the use of umbilical cord blood stem cells only for haematopoietic diseases, without substantial financial resources, they store their samples in liquid nitrogen vapor phase as they do not aim in long term preservation.

Biohellenika, Cell Therapy Center like other well-known international big cord blood banks, preserves the stem cells in two places. One of two equal parts is preserved at Cabuyao Laguna laboratories and the other in Cebu laboratories.

The preservation storage places are completely secured, monitored in a 24-hours basis and away from radioactive sources of radioisotopes and ionized radiation.

The reasons that lay for the storage in two separate places are a higher security in case of natural disaster, the potential of multiple use without de-freezing and refreezing the initial sample and the immediate disposition of the sample upon request all over the Philippines.

Results of the quality check

The parents receive the medical results of the quality check signed by name, by the doctor in charge (ex-university professor). It is also given a certificate with an identity card, with the unique number of identification of the customer, which follows the sample at all the phases of the procedures.