FAQs - Processing & Storage of Cord Blood

After collection, the cord blood is transported to the laboratory. It will be then processed by a trained laboratory specialist and systematically frozen, minus one degree at a time. When it reaches an optimal temperature of -180 degrees Celsius, it will then be stored in liquid nitrogen tanks.

Regardless of how the cord blood is collected (syringe or bag), we store the cord blood sample in multiple cryo units. There is no possibility of cross-contamination as units are hermetically sealed. Each unit is specifically designed for long-term cryogenic storage at low temperatures and have a long history of proven dependability and flexibility for future use.

Stem cell technology is evolving rapidly and we believe that storage in multiple units provides you with a significant future benefit because the cells may potentially be used for more than one treatment. In addition, storing cord blood in multiple units mean that you can store your baby’s cord blood in two separate locations. StemCord separately stores your baby’s cord blood at each its laboratories at Science Park I and II so that you can enjoy the added security and peace of mind that comes with split storage.

StemCord stores the cord blood samples at two of its state-of-the-art laboratories and storage facilities in Singapore’s Science Park I and II. It is the only cord blood bank in Singapore that practices split storage for the best means of safety and security for your baby’s cord blood. Our laboratories feature back-up generators, computer monitoring systems that limit entry to the cryogenic vault strictly to authorised personnel. There are also communication systems that maintain constant contact with our technicians while monitoring the laboratory and storage areas. The facility and systems are monitored twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, to ensure the long-term security of your family's stem cells.

Each cord blood sample received is handled only by a single dedicated laboratory specialist right through the various processing stages. When you enroll with StemCord, your baby's collection kit is assigned a unique identifier, and this same identifier always remains with your baby's cord blood kit, paperwork, and sample. This identifier is marked and attached to each cryo unit, and these units are stored in a designated location. There is also a double-containment storage system, which is designed to eliminate the potential risk of cross-contamination during long-term storage. This system provides the most secure, long-term cryogenic storage available.

As cord blood is stored under liquid nitrogen temperatures, it can be stored indefinitely. Published literature has shown that stem cells in cryogenic storage for 15 years maintained their viability to proliferate and engraft.

After receiving your baby’s birth certificate, a StemCord certificate will be issued and mailed to you for the successful storage of your baby’s cord blood.

Right from the beginning, StemCord has put in place many quality checks and work processes to maintain the viability of these cryopreserved stem cells. These measures are in strict accordance with the standards of the American Association of Blood Banks and have been certified by the licensing unit of the Ministry of Health. In addition, we are in the midst of acquiring accreditation with the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).