A. A stem cell is a cultured cell that has the ability to divide for indefinite periods which gives rise to specialized cells. According to the National Academies of Sciences, every cell in the human body can be traced back to a fertilized egg that came into existence from the union of egg and sperm. There are over 200 different types of cells in the body that come from an early embryo. During early development, as well as later in life, various types of stem cells give rise to differentiated cells that carry out the specific functions of the body, such as skin, blood, muscle, and nerve cells.
A. There are two major categories of stem cells being considered for these research and therapeutic purposes. They are Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells (ASC). Embryonic Stem Cells are cells derived from embryos that develop from in vitro fertilized eggs and then donated for research purposes with informed consent of the donors. The Embryonic Stem Cells are harvested in the very early stages of development, typically four or five days old and are a hollow microscopic ball of cells called the blastocyst.1 After the birth of an infant, the stem cells are considered “Adult”. These stem cells continue to be produced in bone marrow and circulate naturally throughout our blood stream, tissues and organs. Regardless of the age of the person, you can obtain ASC from a newborn, child, or an adult.
A. Umbilical cord blood is another source of adult stem cells. It is collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born and is rich in adult stem cells. Like bone marrow, umbilical cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells.2
A. Adult Stem Cell Banking is a service that provides the collection and preservation of a person’s adult stem cells. The cells can be harvested from an individual’s peripheral blood and by umbilical cord blood collection after the birth of a baby.
A. There are two types of adult stem cells to aid in the reconstitution of the blood and immune system and regeneration of organs and tissues. They are the Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal adult stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are the most recognizable adult stem cell that can produce red and white cells in the blood and immune system. Another well-characterized population of adult stem cells is the Stromal (Mesenchymal) cell which is a mix of cell population that generates bone, cartilage, fat and fibrous connective tissue. Both are critically important as they are being used in some of today’s most advanced stem cell therapy research.3
A. AssureImmune strives to be fully accredited by some of the most renowned and widely respected industry organizations and certification programs. The following is a list of associations and accreditation program guidelines that AssureImmune is currently following – AABB, formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).
A. AssureImmune offers several pricing incentives for multiple banking deposits as well as a gift registry. For more information about our pricing options, please contact AssureImmune at 888-3immune (888-346-6863) or visit our website at www.assureimmune.com.
A. Current studies show that AssureImmune’s sophisticated cryopreservation equipment, The BioArchive® System, can safely store a patient’s adult stem cells for more than twenty years. The cells thawed after 20 years storage have proven highly viable and effective clinically. The state-of-the-art piece of equipment is a computer-controlled, robotic liquid nitrogen cryopreservation and storage system that enables the freezing and managing of up to 3,623 blood component samples. It is the preferred technology utilized by more than 60 cord blood stem cell banks in more than 30 countries worldwide.
A. There are over 70 diseases that can be treated with adult stem cells including tissue and blood cancer, Sickle Cell and aplastic anemia, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, arthritis, etc. The most recognizable treatment for many of these diseases is a bone marrow transplant. You or a family member may have a need to battle a debilitating disease and will need your own adult stem cells to do so. Depending on your body weight, family medical history and the type of treatment you need your adult stem cell needs will vary. Storing your and your family’s adult stem cells today can make a significant difference in a life tomorrow.
A. Success with today’s and the future’s regenerative stem cell therapies/treatments are based on healthy cells only. As our bodies age, so do our cells. It is the aging process that limits the regenerative ability of the stem cells so early collection of stem cells is key. Being proactive and collecting your adult stem cells today can be the difference of saving a life tomorrow. AssureImmune recommends that you protect your health tomorrow by saving your healthy stem cells today.
A. This is a valid concern and an area that AssureImmune takes great care in controlling. As a premier service, AssureImmune performs DNA genetic testing on every adult stem cell sample. Should you require your stored stem cells, we will perform this highly precise and accurate genetic test that insures that the sample sent is yours – no two people have the same DNA.
A. AssureImmune has invested in a highly unique redundant storage system for your adult stem cells. We provide two geographically different storage locations for every stem cell sample. So, you will have your adult stem cells carefully processed and then divided into two secure units to be stored long term. One sample will be sent to our main archiving facility and the other to an undisclosed secondary site in a different geographic location. This redundancy sample is part of our premier service and can benefit our clients in the event of tragedy or natural disaster.
A. AssureImmune has invested substantially in state-of-the-art equipment which was designed by Thermogenesis and supported by GE Healthcare with the oversight of the FDA over a six year period. Our highly sophisticated and automated equipment is based on a dual system which includes a processing and storage system for adult stem cells and eliminates every possible potential for human error. Additionally, this equipment is supported by 24/7 monitoring, two backup generator systems and the global service expertise of GE healthcare.
Sources: Sources: 1. Stem Cell Basics: Introduction . In Stem Cell Information [World Wide Web site]. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006 Available at <http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics1>. 2.&3. International Society for Stem Cell Research. Stem Cell Primer, Page 2 : Available online at http://www.isscr.org/public/Adult_SC.pdf
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