Cord blood, collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after birth, is a rich source of various cell types, including hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). HSCs develop into different blood cells, while MSCs can form various tissue types like nerve or muscle. This composition makes cord blood valuable for medical applications. Cord blood banking involves collecting and cryogenically preserving these cells for future use. Understanding storage duration is important for families exploring this option.
How Long Cord Blood Can Be Stored
Cord blood can be stored for decades under proper cryopreservation. Frozen at extremely low temperatures, cord blood stem cells retain viability and functionality for many years. Studies have shown successful use of cord blood units after 20 to 23.5 years of cryopreservation. This suggests that the cells remain stable and capable of engraftment and proliferation even after prolonged storage.
Current evidence points towards indefinite storage potential under optimal conditions. Stability of cryopreserved cells is attributed to the cessation of biological activity at ultra-low temperatures, preventing degradation. As long as the cryopreservation process is meticulously followed and the storage environment consistently maintained, cells remain viable for a very long time. This long-term stability provides a window for future therapeutic applications.
Factors Impacting Storage Longevity
Extended cord blood storage relies on precise scientific and procedural factors, primarily cryopreservation. After collection, cord blood is processed to isolate valuable cells. A cryoprotectant solution is added to the cell suspension. This solution prevents ice crystal formation within cells during freezing, which could cause irreparable damage.
After cryoprotectants are added, cord blood units are slowly cooled before long-term storage. Units are stored in specialized freezers or tanks with liquid nitrogen, maintaining a consistent temperature of approximately -196°C (-321°F). This ultra-low temperature halts metabolic activity, preserving cells in a suspended state. Facility quality, accreditation, monitoring systems, and strict protocols also ensure the integrity and longevity of stored cord blood.
Assessing Continued Utility and Storage Options
Continuing cord blood storage involves biological viability, evolving utility, and practical aspects. Though cryopreserved cord blood cells remain viable for many years, families re-evaluate based on future needs and ongoing storage fees. The expanding landscape of regenerative medicine and cord blood applications influences a family’s perception of its future value.
Families have several options for stored cord blood. They can continue private storage, maintaining it exclusively for their family’s use. Alternatively, transferring the unit to a public bank may make it available for unrelated patients, subject to specific criteria and availability. If future utility no longer justifies storage, disposal is an option.