Biocell's collection and storage systems for cord blood are based upon the internationally recognised FACT Netcord standards, which are considered world's best practice.

1. Identification

Upon registration every client is allocated a unique number that is tracked throughout the entire process. A set of unique bar coded labels are provided in the collection kit for labeling both the cord blood and mother’s blood samples following collection. This system ensures confidentiality of information.

2. Collection

Collection of cord blood is normally performed by your Obstetrician or Midwife, or by a Biocell Collector. In all cases, we ensure that your collector is highly trained and certified as competent in cord blood collection.

The collection itself takes place after your baby is born and the cord has been cut, but before the placenta (afterbirth) is delivered. Because the cord has already been cut, the collection has no effect whatsoever on your baby.

3. Transport

The cord blood is packed in a purpose designed insulated courier pack following collection. This pack contains temperature stabilizers to ensure the blood is transported at its optimal temperature. A data-logger monitors the temperature of the cord blood and keeps a detailed report along the way. BioCell contracts a specialty courier company that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to deliver the cord blood collection to BioCell's processing laboratory at Sydney Adventist Hospital.

4. Receipt and Labelling

The volume of cord blood is determined to ensure that it is greater than 20ml. A cord blood collection below this volume will not be proceed beyond this point as it is highly likely to contain insufficient stem cells for a successful transplantation.

The cord blood must be cryogenically stored quickly following collection to preserve the quality of the stem cells.

5. Processing

The cord blood collection is reduced in volume by depleting the plasma and red blood cell components of the collection. The stem cell population is found within this remaining white cell concentrate or 'buffy coat'. The plasma and red blood cells are not required for stem cell transplantations as they do not contain any stem cells. The remaining white cell concentrate is divided into two separate bags for storage.

6. Cryogenic freezing

A reagent is added to the remaining white cell volume to protect the cells when they are placed in liquid nitrogen. This cryoprotectant, or deoxy methyl sulphoxide (DMSO) works by binding to the outer membrane of the cells. Without the protection of the DMSO, the cells would shatter like glass when they undergo the freezing process.

Another technique used to protect the cells from damage is to reduce their temperature slowly using a controlled rate freezer. This freezer is powered by liquid nitrogen and programmed to ensure optimal conditions for the precious cells.

7. Testing of the Cord Unit

A very small volume of the cord blood is used to calculate the number of stem cells within the stored product and to ensure there are sufficient cells for a future transplant. Another sample is kept and placed in an incubator to identify any microbial contamination within the product. This test may take up to four weeks following collection.

8. Quarantine

The cryogenically preserved units are kept in quarantine until results from the mother's blood ensure the baby's cord unit is free from infectious diseases. The mother's blood sample is tested for a number of infectious diseases including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.

9. Long Term Storage

All cord blood units are stored in vapor phase liquid nitrogen tanks. Rather than storing the products within the liquid nitrogen, the cord units are suspended in the gaseous (vapor) phase, above the Liquid Nitrogen. The vapor phase storage is superior to liquid phase due to the reduced risk of cross contamination from one cord unit to another. The Liquid Nitrogen level is maintained with a backup storage tank and a multitude of alarms. It does not rely on power so you can be rest assured that a black-out will not pose any risk to your cells.

It is here that the cord blood units remain at approximately -150oC in 'suspended animation', day after day, year after year; ready to be 'woken up' when needed. As your baby grows and develops, year by year; the stem cells remain asleep in vapor phase liquid nitrogen.

10. Release

In the future your child's doctors may request Biocell to release of some or all of the stem cells held in storage. Biocell will organise the transport of the stem cell product to the requested destination using a specialty courier service. The product is transported within a specialized shipper containing liquid nitrogen to ensure the cells remain cryogenically frozen. The cells are slowly thawed immediately before the time of transfusion by the transplant physician.