Alternative to stem cells from bone marrow or blood
Transplanting stem cells from umbilical cord blood was developed as an alternative to transplanting stem cells from bone marrow or blood. After birth, the umbilical cord and placenta contain a certain amount of blood from the newborn baby. This ‘umbilical cord blood’ is relatively rich in immature blood cells and stem cells. By harvesting the blood shortly after birth and enriching the stem cells in the laboratory, these stem cells can then be frozen and stored for use in patients who require a stem cell transplantation. Collecting 70 to 200 ml of umbilical cord blood takes place after the baby has been born. The midwife or the gynaecologist, who have been trained for this procedure, collects it in the delivery room or in a room nearby.
Granting voluntary permission
The umbilical cord blood is given voluntarily by the mother and made available to the cord blood bank. The mother grants permission only after she has been given a detailed explanation.
Guaranteeing quality and safety
Because the number of stem cells corresponds to the volume of umbilical cord blood collected, the minimum volume acceptable for storage is 80 ml. In some cases, this volume is not obtained. After collection, the blood is processed in a laboratory in order to purify the stem cells. They are then stored at -196°C. The stem cells are also subjected to strict quality controls. The mother’s blood is tested for possible bacterial contamination, as well as for transmissible (viral) diseases. The blood group and tissue type of the umbilical cord stem cells are determined. Also, the amount of blood precursor cells present in the umbilical cord blood, and whether they are of sufficient quality for transplantation purposes, is determined. Six months after birth, a blood sample from the mother is checked again for viral disorders. Information is also recorded about the baby’s health status. A blood sample is never collected from the child itself though. Throughout all of this time, the umbilical cord blood is kept in quarantine. Only when all of the results of the quality control and all of the other characteristics are known and have been assessed is the cord blood unit released for use.
Ready to help a patient
Once the umbilical cord blood has been released for use, all of the relevant data are added to the Belgian registry database, as well as to the international donor registry database and the international umbilical cord blood bank. When a stem cell donor is searched for, all suitable donors for that particular patient, possibly a cord blood unit, are selected on the basis of the available data. Additional DNA testing is performed if requested. If the transplant centre locates a suitable umbilical cord blood unit, it is transported frozen and transferred to the transplant centre, ready for the transplantation to be carried out.