Stem Cell Laboratory

 

What are stem cells?

Stem cells belong to the most interesting issues in modern cell biology. During the development of an embryo, they differentiate into nerve cells, red blood cells and heart muscle cells, among many other cell types. The possibilities of using stem cell therapy are continuously increasing. Worldwide, research on stem cells is being intensified. Current applications are promising with regard to Parkinson´s or Alzheimer´s disease, in the field of gene therapy, and for patients with cerebral hemorrhage, myopathy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, malignant tumors, cardiac infarction, vascular occlusion, etc. Often, physicians search for an appropriate bone marrow donor. However, in 30-50% of these cases, the appropriate donor cannot be found in time; in many other cases, the donated tissues or cells are rejected by the recipient, often with fatal consequences for the patient.

The harvesting procedure: simple and without risk.

After birth of the child, the umbilical cord is nipped off. Then, the umbilical cord blood is channeled into a blood bag via a special cannula. Shortly after (day or night), the umbilical cord blood of the newborn child is collected at the hospital and brought to our laboratories. The procedure for harvesting the umbilical cord blood is entirely painless for both mother and child and poses no risks.

Analysis and storage (20 years):

In our laboratory, the stem cells are isolated from the umbilical cord blood and analyzed by established methods. Our laboratory has been certified for the stem cell preparation process according to the German Drug Registration and Administration Act and is therefore subject to stringent governmental control. Processing of the stem cells is done according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP; EU quality seal) under cleanroom conditions. Diagnostics for infections include the mother as well as the child. Of course, many more analyses are performed to assess the stem cell quality.