Process 

Step 1

After the cord blood is collected, the unit is kept in the collection box and transported to our lab in a temperature controlled box. After registration and assigning of unique bar code number, the unit is preliminary checked and relevant data and details are recorded.

Step 2

The unit is processed to separate the stem cells followed by addition of cryoprotective agent that protects the cells during freezing. The process is carried out in clean room class 10,000, under biohazard laminar air flow hood in order to prevent contamination.

Step 3

The stem cells thus separated are transferred to specially designed cryobag which can withstand deep freezing conditions. The unit is then placed in an individual overwrap bag, sealed, and placed in an aluminium cassette.

Step 4

Each cord blood unit is frozen in a controlled-rate- freezer where the temperature of the unit is gradually lowered and finally stored in the vapour phase of Liquid Nitrogen below -150 degree centigrade inside the cryogenic freezers or storage tanks. The temperatures in the tanks are recorded and controlled by computerised system.

Step 5

The sample of maternal blood is tested for ABO, Rh grouping and infectious disease markers.

Step 6

Cord blood is tested for ABO, Rh grouping, Haemoglobin electrophoresis, number of stem cells, CD 34+count, viability , bacterial and fungal contamination. Small samples (aliquots) of cord blood and mother’s blood are saved for further testing in future.