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The science of bio-preservation spells out techniques like hypothermic storage, cryopreservation and vitrification in a clinical environment. The new market report on “Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market,” released by Persistence Market Research on September 12, 2014, states that there would be an exponential demand for cell banking by 2020, owing to the multiple cord tissue banking benefits and stem cell banking benefits. This has rightly pushed the bio-preservation market to expand and gain much needed recognition.
What is Umbilical Cord Blood Banking?
This technique involves the storage and collection of a newborn’s cord blood and tissue, for preserving it with continuous reliability over a long period of time. Need for this arose as a result of the immense potential linked to cord blood cells and numerous cord tissue banking benefits, in short, translating to the hope of regenerating damaged and infected organs, cells and tissues.
How is Cord Blood and Tissue Collected?
Cord blood is extracted immediately after birth, using a quick and painless procedure. After the umbilical cord is cut, the blood is drawn out from the cord using a needle and a special collection bag. The tissue in the cord lining is also extracted for preservation as an extension of the cord blood collection process. It is done by cutting a segment of the umbilical cord, after which it is stored in a sterile container.
How are the Collected Samples Processed?
This refers to the process of separating the stem cells from the cord blood, so as to produce a sample that can be safely stored and used in clinical procedures. Even the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges that the cord blood unit should be reduced to a stage where there is low plasma and red blood cells, prior to cryopreservation. This will reduce the chances of future complications and fully promote the linked cord tissue banking benefits.
Patented Technology Linked to the Collection of Cord Blood
Many cord blood banks have strategically partnered with research institutes to use patented technology during cord blood extraction. CellOptima™ is one such proven technology that safely enables the extraction of cord blood cells and tissues.
Storage of Cells and Tissue
After the samples have been collected and processed, the unit is ready for cryopreservation. No matter how the sample unit has been processed, a cryopreservation is added to it to ensure that the cells are able to survive through the cryogenic process. The unit of cells is cooled slowly to a temperature of -90°C, after which it is transferred to a liquid nitrogen tank, to be kept frozen at -196°C. The slow cooling process is important so that all the cell and cord blood banking benefits can be extracted at a later date.