“Hey, didn’t you hear about…?”
Yes, we heard it. In fact, we have to listen it countless of times. But the thing is, is it even true? After all, rumours, myths, and fictional stories have been swirling around us since the olden days.
Like how there are whispers of how the first landing on the moon was a hoax or rumours about the cover-up of supposed UFO sightings at Roswell.
*Cue Twilight Zone theme music*
We do not have to look far for myths, because some people have even cooked up made-up stories about stem cell collection!
Wait, what are the myths? Are they really “just” myths?
Fret not, mummies worldwide! CryoCord will help us dust off the myth cobwebs to reveal the truth behind the collection of stem cells!
Unmasking the truth
Myth #1: The collection process is painful!
Speak to anyone that has gone through the process, and they will tell you there’s no pain involved. Upon delivery, a section of the umbilical cord will be cut and transported to the laboratory. What used to be biological waste is now a treasure.
Myth #2: Umbilical-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are similar to bone marrow stem cells. Stem cell banking is out to get our money!
You know the term ‘same same, but different’?
Cord stem cells, or what we call Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), are found in greater proportions in Wharton’s Jelly. It also has better regenerative properties since it is the most primitive cell.
In addition to that, CordMSCs transplantation does not require any matching. However, it is highly preferred and recommended that the sources are those who are closely related such as a family member.
Though stem cell banking earns profit from storing MSCs, they are not baseless when it comes to MSC usage. There is really a difference between cord stem cells and bone marrow stem cells. When the need arises, MSCs prove to be an immediate and effective aid.
Myth #3: The amount of stem cells collected are so minuscule, it will not help any disease when needed!
CryoCord does not only take the harvested MSCs and preserve them. The MSCs are processed by professional laboratory technicians using proprietary know-how. The MSCs go through cellular dissociation and expansion before they are cryo-preserved in a liquid nitrogen storage tank. It is to ensure there are enough cells available when needed; more so during an emergency.
Myth #4: Harvesting stem cells is like harvesting unborn embryos!
You will find stem cells in many parts of the body, from the conception of life to adulthood. However, one thing is for sure, CryoCord does not dabble in pre-birth stem cell collection – which is considered controversial and prohibited in most countries. Unlike harvesting unborn embryos, extracting MSCs is surrounded by less ethical and religious debate, since it is naturally found in what would be considered biological waste.
CordMSCs® and cord blood (Hematopoietic Stem Cells or known as HSCs) – Are they the same?
CordMSCs® are found in Wharton’s Jelly. If you cut a cross-section of the umbilical cord, it is the jelly-like wrapping that protects the blood vessels within the umbilical cord. These cells can differentiate into bone, heart, nerve, cornea, fat, and cartilage cells. These supercells can repair any of the said organs.
In the blood that remains in the veins of the umbilical cord after birth, HSCs (usually discarded together with umbilical cord) have the potential to generate blood cells and cells that build the human immune system. These cells are essential in fighting the underlying causes of various diseases and conditions. Because these cells are so primitive, it is less prone to develop Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) after a stem cell transplant.
We Now Know How to Store MSCs, But Is It the Same with HSCs?
We are glad you asked (at least we are guessing that you would ask). After the baby is delivered, the doctor will clamp the umbilical cord and separate it from the baby. Before collecting the Wharton’s Jelly, a needle will be inserted into the vein of the umbilical cord, while the mother pushes out the placenta. It takes 5 minutes for the blood from the umbilical cord to flow into the collection bag; no-fuss, no interruption.
They are then stored in FDA-approved Cryobags, taken through stringent quality checks, and then stored in the vapour phase liquid nitrogen storage tank.
This sounds like a biological investment for the future. What are the risks involved here?
Well, risks are at play when you DO NOT save your baby’s HSCs and MSCs!
Both mother and baby will not experience any pain or complications as the placenta has separated from both of them.
The only risk at play is for those who are on the receiving end of the stem cell transplant. They will have to observe proper aftercare by not being in direct contact with anyone who has a cold, chickenpox (and those exposed to chickenpox), herpes virus, shingles, or received a live-virus vaccination (basically, a quarantine) until the treatment is complete.
Stay safe, save your baby’s cord blood with CryoCord!
As leaders in the field, they have trailblazed their way to achieve AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) accreditation. With a state-of-the-art laboratory that holds a clean-room environment, they are one of the first labs in Malaysia to be certified to cGMP (PIC/S) requisites and awarded by NPRA (BPFK), a division of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
If that is not enough, check out their many awards. There is Malaysia Stem Cell Banking Company of the Year 2019 by Frost & Sullivan, Best Stem Cell Bank 2012–2020 by Baby Talk Magazine, and Best Brands in Science – Stem Cell Laboratory 2016 by Brand Laureate, to name a few.
If you are expecting, expect to secure the health of your child and possibly your family by saving your baby’s HSCs and MSCs. You can view CryoCord’s plans and pricing on their website. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to chat with a CryoCord representative here.