Normally when a healthy infant is born, the hospital or institution discards the umbilical cord, which is considered a by-product of the birth process. However, research in the last few years has found that the umbilical cord has an abundant supply of Multipotent stem cells. Multipotent cells have the ability to develop into more than one cell type in the body. Just to remind you of how important the umbilical cord may be, many animals, such as dogs, cats, cows, etc., eat the placenta and cord after the birth of their young. It is sad that the animals still listen to their instinct.
An OOCYTE is considered the "first" cell of life. This cell is Totipotent, which means that the cell can become all of the cell types that make up the body's organs and tissues. As this oocyte begins to divide, the cells are organized into three different layers, known as "germ layers." These layers are called the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm.
It is important to understand these different germ layers when considering umbilical stem cells. The ectoderm layer is the outermost germ layer. These cells become the nervous system (the neurons, glia cells, myelin sheaths, etc.). Also the ectoderm layer becomes the sensory organs, skin, and other associated structures.
The middle layer of the group is known as the mesoderm. These cells originate from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. The mesoderm layer makes our red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, muscle, bone, fat, cartilage, skin, connective tissue, etc.
The third germ layer is the endoderm layer. This is considered to be the innermost layer of the cells. These cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. These cells become the respiratory structures such as the lungs and the digestive system.
How are umbilical stem cells harvested and processed?
Umbilical stem cells are "harvested" from the umbilical cord of a full term live healthy infant human (This website emphasizes the word "human" because of many advertisements for stem cells and the misunderstanding of fetal sheep cells). The parent(s) of the newborn will donate the cord to the lab, signing any necessary paperwork such as an Informed Consent Form. There are no fees paid to the parents. These cells are not harvested from an aborted fetus.
The cells are then separated by electrophoresis and immunomagnetic beading. Once separation is complete, the cells are tested for purity and viability. All cells have been found to be free of all bacteria and fungi. Also, the cells have been tested for such diseases as (including but not limited to):
The cells are then separated by electrophoresis and immunomagnetic beading. Once separation is complete, the cell are tested for purity and viability. All cells have been found to be free of all bacteria and fungi. Also, the cells have been tested for such diseases as (including but not limited to):
- Hepatitis B Core IGM
- Hepatitis B Surface
- HTLV AB
- HIV-1/2 AB
- HCV Antibody
- CMV Antibody
- RPR (Syphilis Screen)
- Bacteria cultures are performed
- Fungal cultures are performed
All cells produced are required to be at least 95% viable at the time of freezing. The cells are then stored at the lab in liquid nitrogen freezers. They are shipped overnight on dry ice using time sensitive medical transports to the airport where a member of our medical staff receives them and signs for them.