Transparency of procedures and policies is vital where cord blood stem cell storage is concerned said SmartCells Malta Director Sylvana Brannon.
She visited the Smart Cells storage labs in Plymouth, UK, recently where all the cord blood processing and storage is based in the United Kingdom.
The laboratory carries out all Smart Cells Cord Blood preparation and storage in an environment designed to comply with all current and foreseeable European medical guidelines and practices.
A sophisticated haematology analyser is used to accurately determine the number and quality of the cells in every blood sample. The blood is prepared for final freezing in a cryogenic pouch using a sterile, closed bag system. This 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 in a medical registered device, at a temperature below –180°C. At these temperatures, the cell ageing process is effectively suspended.
Once the sample is logged into the inventory management system, its location is secure, continually monitored and alarm protected.
The whole process is extremely transparent, said Ms Brannon. “Anyone can call the lab and make an appointment to see what it is all about.”
The lab is situated close to one of the biggest transplant hospitals in the UK. “Not only is the hospital run by the NHS, but collaborates closely with SmartCells lab and has extremely high professional standards.”
Clients are taken through the entire process, from when the stem cell sample arrives at the lab until it is frozen.
“There are stricter levels of hygiene once you move closer to the heart of the lab where the cells are actually stored,” Ms Brannon said.
SmartCells lab is one of two labs in the UK whose guidelines actually surpass those set by the UK and the EU, she added.
Ms Brannon explained that certain storage labs only meet the guidelines of the country it is established in.
“If the labs do not follow EU or international standards, the cord stem cells cannot be used in other countries, only in the country where it is stored,” she said. “Since SmartCells surpass the standards set by the EU, the stem cells can be used anywhere in the world.”
The Smart Cells labs are of such high standard that even the NHS uses it as a storage bank, she added.
SmartCell clients are also reassured that no other company is allowed to store stem cells with them.
“There are other storage companies available that store stem cells belonging to other countries. Companies sharing the database can access client information in the other storage banks,” said Ms Brannon.
The freezers used to store the stem cells are fireproof and in case of power failure are immediately switched to a back-up system that can hold the fort for 10 days.
In case the blackout lasts longer than 10 days, they have a manual method of pumping liquid nitrogen into the system. “Liquid nitrogen is what keeps the temperature of the freezers at –180° Celsius so there is no fear of any damage to the cells.”
Recently, Nationalist MP Michael Asciak said in Parliament that a number of families had approached him as they felt there was not enough information on cord stem cell storage offered in Malta.
Ms Brannon explained that she does all she can to spread the word about the services offered by SmartCell Malta.
She organises regular information seminars on cord blood stem cells for parents and health professionals and encouraged those who are interested to contact her.
For more information
log on to
www.smartcellsmalta.com or contact Ms Brannon on
[email protected]