Stem cells are unspecialised cells which can be induced to become cells with special functions, like heart muscle cells, blood cells, or nerve cells etc. They are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods.

Stem cells are important for many reasons. They can be used to treat some genetic / non genetic disorders (caused due to cell death) that affect the blood and immune system, blood cancer and certain other cancers.

Stem cells come from three main sources: bone marrow, peripheral (or circulating) blood, and the umbilical cord of new born babies (cord blood). In the case of bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells, an adult donor donates the cells. Umbilical cord blood stem cells (or just cord blood stem cells) are collected when a baby is born and are stored for future use.

Cord blood is a richer source of stem cells than bone marrow, as it has many more times as many blood-producing cells, so stemcells are needed for a successful transplantation. Moreover, cord blood stem cells, unlike adult stem cells, are less likely to contain DNA abnormalities. Cord blood stem cells are also less likely to be rejected in transplants. They can be collected safely following delivery without any risk to either the mother or the child.

Cord blood stem cells are not just for your baby. It's really an investment for the whole family. Virtually all mothers and about half of siblings have a greater chance for a suitable match with a baby's stem cell. They can be used in the future to treat a variety of degenerative diseases, like cancer of blood and of other organs, heart attacks, coronary heart diseases, vascular diseases, nerve and brain diseases, strokes. multiple sclerosis, etc.

Research has shown that survival rates double when a person's own cord blood or a family member's cord blood is used, compared to using an unrelated donor sample from a public stem cell bank. The stem cells are an exact match for the baby, and have at least one in four chance of being an exact match for as sibling.

Having your own private sample ensures immediate availability of a perfectly matched sample.

While bone marrow can also be a source of stem cells if needed, cord blood stem cells are easier to match for family members, thus increasing the chance that a family member can receive a related stem cell transplant.

After the baby's birth, the umbilical cord is clamped, breaking the link between the baby and the placenta. Trained members of staff drain the blood from the umbilical cord and placenta. The blood is usually collected using a needle to draw the blood into a blood collection device (''stem cord''). The collection usually takes only a few minutes or less and it is then sent off for cord blood processing and storage. On an average, about three to five fluid ounces are collected from the umbilical cord to produce enough stem cells.

No, not at all, there is no risk or pain to the mother or baby. There are no side-effects either.

Absolutely, there are no moral or ethical concerns at all for autologous banking.

The decision to store cord blood is a personal one with no right or wrong answer. If you have a family history of certain degenerative diseases or disorders, it may be a good idea to store your child's cord blood in a private bank in case you need it in the future. However, even if your family medical health history is as clean as a whistle, storing cord blood can work as insurance just in case the need ever does arise.

CSKPL are pioneers in the country and the second in the world to offer the service of preserving stem cells extracted from cord blood, along with the cord (on request), which contains mesenchymal cells which help in the regeneration of muscle and cartilage. This is done by the use of a biotechnological process evolved and established by the highly experienced research team members of CSKPL. The group is backed by the researchers who have an experience of over 3 decades in processing, harvesting and differentiation of these valuable stem cells.

In the last 8 years more than 60 stem cell samples have been successfully transplanted.

Since CSKPL is the knowledge based group with a Team of highly academic scientists, who are involved in various research and clinical trails in the fields of Regenerative Medicine. It would be ideal to store your precious sample with a group who can Guide you for the treatment modalities in a right manner at the time of your need.

CSKPL has a state-of-the-art microprocessor-controlled mass storage device imported from USA, which is a fail-safe ensuring proper storage of samples at – 196^oc at all times, PRESERVATION IN LIQUID NITROGEN IS COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY / POWER FAILURES.

No Problem. Apart from stem cell banking, CSKPL has the unique and highly specialized facility of Expansion (growing) and Differentiation of stem cells, which can yield greater number of stem cells required.

Actually simply storing or banking the stem cell is useless if you don't know the application and the future of stem cells lies in its application. Scientists all over the world are busy trying to find out newer indications for the use of stem cells as more and more indications come to light, our goal of a disease-free world would come that much nearer.

• CSKPL Therapeutics Clinic - one of its kind in Bangalore.
• Expertise in Clinical Application Services and Stem Cell Banking
• Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell & Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Banking