A Plymouth, UK-based laboratory is fast emerging as a leading stem cell processing and storage centre as a landmark collected sample arrives
Stem cell collection specialist Smart Cells International has chosen BioVault in Plymouth International Business Park to store its 5000th stem cell sample.
Smart Cells has now collected stem cells in 40 countries, with the vast majority being stored in Plymouth.
BioVault undertakes all Smart Cells's cord blood preparation and storage in an environment designed to comply with all current and foreseeable European medical guidelines and practices.
The laboratory is MHRA registered and operates under an ISO9001:2000 management system.
All processing is undertaken in a 'controlled processing laboratory', which provides an extremely clean environment, by specifically trained staff.
A sophisticated haematology analyser is used to accurately determine the number and quality of the cells in every blood sample.
"We have worked with BioVault for some time, and we find their technology, professionalism and security levels ranks amongst the world's best," said Shamshad Ahmed, managing director of Smart Cells International.
"Stem cells are described as being miraculous, but in truth they're pure science - they've always been around, we just did not know about them, or how to collect, store or use them until relatively recently".
Stem cells are basic building blocks or 'master cells' that can change into other types of cells that form organs, muscles, skin, bone, nerves and blood.
When implanted and used to treat or rebuild after disease or injury, these master cells somehow know how to migrate to the damaged area of the body and begin repairing the tissue.
Smart Cells collects and stores stem cells from a baby's umbilical cord immediately after birth.
If that child, or possibly a sibling, suffers injury or illness, then stem cells can be transplanted at the time of treatment at any time in the following 25 years or more.
"It is possible to use stem cells to treat dozens of diseases and disorders: heart-related disorders, certain leukaemias, Hodgkin's Disease, and certain anaemias".
"The range of illnesses that may one day be treated with stem cells includes heart disease, stroke, cancers, spinal cord injury, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson Disease, osteo-arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis." Smart Cells, which was formed in February 2001, collects stem cells on behalf of families all over the world before arranging storage, primarily in Plymouth.
Once delivered to BioVault the blood is prepared for final freezing in a cryogenic pouch using a sterile, closed bag system.
The process effectively separates the blood into its component parts and then computer-controlled equipment ensures that the stem cells are captured.
The cells are then carefully prepared and frozen in a hermetically sealed storage pouch.
The pouch, in its protective aluminium cassette, is then stored for up to 25 years in a medical registered device at a temperature below -180C at which temperature the cell ageing process is effectively suspended.
Having been logged into the inventory management system its location is secure, continually monitored and alarm protected.
