The Significance Of Stem Cell Banking: Explained

In simple terms, stem cells are special human cells that can develop into many different cell types ranging from muscle cells to brain cells.⁴ Unlike other cells in the body stem cells are unique due to the following reasons:⁵

• They have the ability to self-renew themselves
• They cannot perform specific functions in the body as they are unspecialised
• They can transform into specialised cells such as blood cells, brain cells and muscle cells

There is ongoing, extensive research in the field of “regenerative medicine” exploring the ability of stem cells to treat various diseases and injuries. This is because experimental evidence suggests that stem cells can potentially function as repair mechanisms for the replacement of damaged cells.⁶

These stem cells are broadly classified into embryonic stem cells, fetal stem cells, adult stem cells, embryonic germ cells, and amniotic and umbilical cord stem cells. There are different types of stem cells in the body, each with unique sources and properties.

Now, let’s discuss stem cell preservation: the art of preserving stem cells to safeguard your baby’s future!

What Is Stem Cell Banking?

Stem cell banking or cord blood banking involves collecting and freezing your baby’s umbilical cord stem cells using cryogenic technology. These cells have the potential to treat life-threatening diseases such as ^7,8

• Bone marrow diseases that require a transplant
• Cancers like lymphoma or leukaemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Immune system disorders

Secure your baby’s future health with cord blood banking. Stem cell preservation can be a valuable resource for protecting your entire family against 80+ medical diseases in the future.⁷ So, if you want to bank your newborn’s stem cells, let us guide you through the types of stem cell banks.

Types Of Stem Cell Banks

There are two types of banks where you can preserve your newborn’s cord blood stem cells. They are: 

Public Banks - This banking model works on a donation basis where parents can donate their baby's stem cells for free. The donated cord blood units are added to a common pool which is then made accessible to the general public. In times of medical necessity, anyone can purchase a matching cord blood unit for a reasonable amount from the public bank. However, once donated, the baby's parents do not have any claim or access to the donated stem cells. ^{9 10}

Private Banks - It’s a private entity where parents pay an annual amount to preserve their baby's stem cells for private use. The preserved stem cells can be used by their family members in times of medical emergencies. Each bank charges a distinct processing and storage fee. However, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) advises Indian families to bank their child's cord blood stem cells in public banks in comparison to private ones. This is because the possibility of the baby using its own stem cells is less than 0.04%. ^{9 10 11}

Have You Heard About Community Stem Cell Banking? 

Community stem cell banking, pioneered by LifeCell in India, is a unique approach where umbilical cord stem cells are added to a shared community pool. This allows for the exclusive sharing of preserved stem cells among community members. In the event of a medical need, members of the community stem cell bank can access all the units stored in the pool. Thus, providing protection not only for the baby but also for immediate family members against all medical conditions treatable by stem cells. 

LifeCell Community Stem Cell Banking: An Overview 

Established in 2004, LifeCell is chosen by over 4,50,000+ parents to preserve their baby’s stem cells. You’d also be surprised to know that it is the first stem cell bank to introduce community stem cell banking. By opting for LifeCell’s stem cell banking plan, you can gain access to a vast repository of 75,000+ qualified cord blood units. Quite fascinating, right? Now let’s explore the benefits of umbilical cord blood banking. 

Unique Benefits Of Stem Cell Banking With LifeCell

There are several advantages of banking your baby’s stem cells with LifeCell as they offer exclusive benefits to your little one and family.

• Family Coverage: Benefits to immediate family members of the baby including parents, siblings, and grandparents (maternal & paternal)
• Protects From Various Medical Conditions: Safeguards baby from the impact of 90+ conditions & family members from 82+ conditions
• Largest Inventory: Access to 75,000+ qualified cord blood units 
• Best Matchmaker: > 97% chance of finding an Indian-origin stem cell match
• Medical Insurance: Financial assistance up to INR 20 lakhs for every stem cell transplantation
• Highest Retrieval Experience: Safe transplantation program with 64 retrievals in India & 19 Internationally

How Much Does Stem Cell Banking Cost?

LifeCell offers 3 uniquestem cell preservation packages that include -