Finding out about stem cell storage in London

After we had decided to store stem cells with Smart Cells when we had Baby Girl in 2012, I had several questions, which I discussed with both my consultant and Smart Cells. I’ve now asked Mike Pearce from Smart Cells to answer some of the questions I had back in 2012, who I hope can help other readers now:

When should pregnant women book stem cell storage?
There is no time limit for when an order should be placed with us. We have client place an order many months in advance and others who contact us with just a few hours’ notice. As a recommendation we would suggest that any customers looking to order should do so at least 4 weeks before their expected due date. This should allow us enough time to finalise everything in case of an early or unexpected arrival.

What is the difference between storing cord blood and cord tissue?
Cord blood and cord tissue contain different types of stem cells. Cord blood predominantly contains a cell called the Haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and cord tissue contains the Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Each cell works in a different way and we would recommend that we collect and store both samples for any customer.

A cord blood stem cell transplant uses blood stem cells to replace diseased cells with healthy new cells, and rebuild an individual’s blood and immune system. This may be necessary if your bone marrow stops working and doesn’t produce enough healthy stem cells.

Cord tissue stem cells have been shown to differentiate into bone, cartilage, nerve, adipose, cardiac, smooth muscle, hepatic and skin cells and are therefore extremely promising in regenerative medicine.

What percentage of customers choose to store both?
We now have an average of 95% of customer storing both cord blood and cord tissue samples. In most cases the choice is simple and customers would like to protect their child by storing as many cells as possible. At Smart Cells we would always recommend that we collect and store both so that we can capture the maximum amount of cells during this once in a lifetime opportunity.

What is your experience with London hospitals?
We have a fantastic working relationship with all London Hospitals. We are also a founding donor of the Borne charity who are part of Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. Our team are ready and established to collect from any of the main London Hospitals and we have worked closely with them since we collected our first ever sample from a customer in St Thomas Hospital in 2001.

If you would like to find out more, you can call Smart Cells on 01895 424 430 or request a brochure.

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