What are Stem Cells ?

Q: What are Stem Cells?
A: Stem cells are human’s “master” cells because they are the ones that creates tissues, organs (brain, etc) & systems (nerves, muscles,etc) in the body.

They can be found in the building blocks of blood and immune system & its readily to reproduce into:
1) Red blood cells (haemoglobin), which able carry oxygen to all the cells in the body.
2) White blood cells (antibody), which enable cells to fight infection.
3) Platelets, which aid in clotting in the event of injury.

The ability of cord blood stem cells to differentiate, or change into other types of cells in the body is a new discovery that holds significant promise for many individuals.

Q: Where are stem cells can be found?
A: Stem cells are found in the umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood & bone marrow.

Q: What are Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells?
A: Umbilical cord blood, otherwise known simply as “cord blood’ or “placental blood”, is the blood that remains in the newborn’s umbilical cord and placenta following birth. Cord blood stem cells are the key building blocks of the human blood and immune system. These stem cells can be used to generate red blood cells and cells of the human immune system.

Q: Why we choose to store Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells rather than other methods?

A: The baby’s umbilical cord blood is a rich and valuable source of stem cells, which are genetically unique to the baby and his/her family. It is an alternative source of stem cell transplantation, where traditionally bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells have been used.

1) Umbilical cord blood stem cells are less prone to develop Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) than either bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells. This is because the umbilical cord stem cells have not yet develop into features that could be recognized by our own body cells and tissues.

2) Umbilical cord blood stem cells can only be collected once in a lifetime during birth.

3) Collection of cord blood is non-invasive & painless to mother & child.

4) Baby's cord blood is easily collected. Within minutes of delivery, the cord blood stems cells are collected, then taken for processing & storage at cord blood stem cell bank.