From the Guidelines
CryoViva and StemCord Comparison: CryoViva and StemCord are two umbilical cord blood banking services in Singapore, but there is limited direct comparison available in the provided evidence.
- Key Considerations: When selecting a cord blood bank, factors such as unit quality, cell dose, and HLA matching are crucial 1.
- Unit Quality and Cell Dose: Optimal cord blood graft selection criteria must consider unit quality and cryopreserved cell dose as well as HLA match 1.
- HLA Matching: HLA matching for unrelated cord blood transplantation generally focuses on 3 loci (HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1), and extended HLA matching may yield better outcomes after cord blood transplantation 1.
- Drawbacks: One of the major drawbacks of cord blood transplantation is the high incidence of graft rejection and chronic GvHD, particularly in unrelated cord blood transplantation 1.
- Cord Blood Banking in Singapore: The NMDP cord blood inventory contains units from US banks as well as Germany, Israel, Singapore, and Taiwan, indicating that Singapore is part of the international cord blood banking network 1.
- Lack of Direct Comparison: There is no direct comparison between CryoViva and StemCord in the provided evidence, and the decision between the two services should be based on individual factors such as unit quality, cell dose, and HLA matching.
- General Recommendations: It is recommended to consider the factors outlined in the evidence, such as unit quality and HLA matching, when selecting a cord blood bank, rather than relying on a specific service 1.
From the Research
Overview of CryoViva and StemCord
- CryoViva and StemCord are two companies that offer cord blood banking services in Singapore.
- Cord blood banking involves the collection and storage of umbilical cord blood, which is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells that can be used to treat various diseases 2, 3.
Comparison of CryoViva and StemCord
- Both companies offer private cord blood banking services, where the cord blood is stored for use by the family only.
- Public cord blood banking is also an option, where the cord blood is donated and made available for use by the general public and/or research 4, 5.
- The cost of private cord blood banking can be significant, and the chances of the cord blood being used by the family are relatively low (approximately 1 in 2,700 individuals) 5.
Drawbacks of Cord Blood Banking
- The collection of cord blood should not compromise obstetric or neonatal care, or alter routine practice for the timing of umbilical cord clamping 2, 3.
- There is a risk of graft-versus-host disease, transfer of infection or genetic abnormalities, or therapeutic failure associated with the use of cord blood stem cells 2.
- The financial burden of private cord blood banking can be considerable, and the benefits of public cord blood banking may be more significant for the general public 4, 5.
- False claims and misleading commercial advertisements about the use of umbilical cord blood stem cells can create unrealistic expectations among laypersons and clinicians 6.
Considerations for Expectant Parents
- Expectant parents should be provided with balanced and accurate information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of public and private cord blood banking 2, 3, 5.
- The decision to bank cord blood should be made after careful consideration of the costs and benefits, and the potential risks and limitations associated with the use of cord blood stem cells 6.