Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about stem cell preservation, collection procedures, costs, and potential medical applications.
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What are stem cells and why should I preserve them?
Stem cells are special cells in the human body that can develop into many different cell types. They can be collected from umbilical cord blood and tissue at birth—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Preserving them provides a potential resource for treating various medical conditions that may arise in the future, including blood disorders, immune system deficiencies, and certain cancers.
By banking your child's stem cells, you're creating a biological insurance policy that could be vital for future medical treatments.
What is the difference between cord blood and cord tissue?
Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that can develop into blood and immune system cells. These cells are currently used to treat blood disorders, certain cancers, and immune deficiencies.
Cord tissue, on the other hand, contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which can develop into bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells. While MSCs are not yet used in standard medical treatments, they are the focus of extensive research for potential applications in regenerative medicine.
Banking both provides access to two different types of stem cells, potentially increasing future treatment options.
How is cord blood collected? Is it painful or risky?
Cord blood collection is completely painless and risk-free for both mother and baby, as it occurs after the baby is born and the umbilical cord has been cut. The collection process takes only 3-5 minutes and involves the following steps:
- After the baby is delivered and the cord is clamped and cut, the collection begins
- The healthcare provider inserts a needle into the umbilical vein of the cord that's still attached to the placenta
- Blood flows through the needle into a specialized collection bag containing anticoagulant
- The process continues until blood flow stops, typically yielding 60-150 ml of cord blood
The entire procedure happens after normal birth processes are complete and does not interfere with delivery in any way.
Can cord blood be collected during a C-section?
Yes, cord blood can be collected during both vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections (C-sections). The collection process is essentially the same for both delivery methods. Our collection specialists are trained to work with your healthcare providers to ensure successful collection regardless of delivery type.
In fact, some research suggests that C-section deliveries may actually yield slightly higher volumes of cord blood because the collection process can begin immediately in a controlled environment.
How long can stem cells be stored and remain viable?
When properly cryopreserved at -196°C (the temperature of liquid nitrogen), stem cells can theoretically be stored indefinitely. Research has shown stem cells remain viable and functional after 25+ years of cryopreservation.
The oldest cord blood stem cell samples that have been thawed and successfully used in transplants were stored for over 20 years, showing no significant loss in cell viability or function. Our storage protocols follow the strictest international standards to ensure long-term viability.
All our storage packages guarantee preservation for a minimum of 21 years, with options to extend as needed.
How are the stem cells stored and protected?
At Cryonine, we employ a multi-layer protection system for stem cell storage:
- Processing: Stem cells are processed in a state-of-the-art clean room environment
- Cryopreservation: We use controlled-rate freezing to gradually bring cells to -196°C
- Storage containers: Samples are stored in specialized cryobags within vapor-phase liquid nitrogen storage tanks
- Monitoring: 24/7 temperature and security monitoring with advanced alarm systems
- Backup systems: Emergency power generators and reserve nitrogen supply
- Security: Restricted access, video surveillance, and comprehensive disaster recovery protocols
Additionally, we maintain dual inventory records and regular auditing to ensure complete traceability and sample identification.
How much does stem cell banking cost?
Our stem cell banking packages start at ₹75,000 for the Essentials package, which includes cord blood collection, processing, and 21 years of storage. Our Premium package (₹95,000) includes both cord blood and cord tissue banking with 25 years of storage, while our Ultimate package (₹125,000) adds placental blood collection and extends storage to 30 years.
We offer flexible payment options, including:
- One-time payments with a 5% discount
- No-interest EMI plans over 6, 12, or 24 months
- Annual storage fee options with reduced initial payments
Visit our Services page for detailed pricing information or contact us to discuss customized payment plans.
Are there any hidden fees or additional costs?
No, there are no hidden fees. Our package prices are all-inclusive and cover collection kit, transportation, processing, testing, and long-term storage for the specified period. We believe in complete transparency in our pricing.
The only potential additional cost would be if you choose to extend storage beyond the initial period covered by your package. Extension fees are clearly communicated in advance and are significantly lower than the initial banking costs.
What diseases can be treated with cord blood stem cells?
Cord blood stem cells are currently used to treat over 80 conditions, including:
- Blood disorders: Leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia
- Bone marrow failure syndromes: Aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia
- Immune deficiencies: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
- Metabolic disorders: Hurler syndrome, Krabbe disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy
Additionally, clinical trials are investigating cord blood stem cells for treating cerebral palsy, autism, type 1 diabetes, and other conditions. Research in regenerative medicine continues to expand potential applications for stem cell therapies.
What is the success rate of stem cell treatments?
Success rates vary depending on several factors, including:
- The specific condition being treated
- The patient's age and health status
- The genetic match between donor and recipient
- The quantity and quality of stem cells available
For many conditions like leukemia, the five-year survival rates can range from 60-90% with stem cell transplants. For sibling matches using family-banked cord blood, success rates tend to be higher due to the closer genetic match.
It's important to note that stem cell therapies are constantly improving, with new protocols and applications being developed through ongoing research.
Can cord blood be used for siblings or other family members?
Yes, cord blood stem cells can potentially benefit siblings and other family members. There's approximately a 25% chance of a perfect HLA match between siblings, and a 50% chance of a partial match. Parents typically have a 50% match with their children.
The likelihood of compatibility makes family banking particularly valuable as a resource for multiple family members. Even in cases of partial matches, modern transplant protocols can often successfully use these stem cells with appropriate medical management.
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