Family CB Banks in Greece & Cyprus

INTERNET: www.biohellenika.gr
PHONE: toll free +30 801 11 99 299 or +30 2310474282 (north) or +30 2107708882 (south)
OFFICE: Headquarters in Thessaloniki, Greece
STORAGE: Biohellenika has two laboratories for cell processing and storage:
1.  ZEDA Building, Thessaloniki, Greece
2. National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens Towers, Athens, Greece

COMMENT:

Website in Greek, English, Romanian, Russian, and Bulgarian.

AFFILIATES:

• Biohellenika Cyprus (independent co. in Nicosia, Cyprus) +35 722028208
• Biohellenika Bulgaria (independent co. in Sofia, Bulgaria) 070010804
• Biohellenika Turkey (independent co. in Bucharest, Turkey)
• Biohellenika SRL (subsidiary in Cluj Napoca, Romania) +40 213203029
• Bio Stem (independent co. in Skopje, Macedonia) +38 923111114
• Beo Stem (independent co. in Beograd, Serbia) +38 1631805571

CORD BLOOD BANKING SERVICES:

• Additional offices in Greece: Hania, Heraklion, Ioannina, Larissa, Patras
• Biohellenika prefers collection of cord blood before the delivery of the placenta, by gravity drip.
• Biohellenika also has technology to collect blood from the placenta by perfusion after delivery.
• In most cases Biohellenika sends a company representative to retrieve cord blood collections from the maternity clinics in Greece.
  
• The Biohellenika contract does not cover transport services, but parents who need transport are guided through the arrangements.
  
• Parents who need to transport the cord blood are provided with shipping containers that contain electronic temperature loggers calibrated by ISO. 
• There are two options in laboratory processing:
• One option is manual processing by laboratory technicians using a proprietary process that has been published.  With manual processing, the final storage is in vials with a double seal system (patent pending).  There are 3 integrally attached vials with 2 integrally attached segments on each vial.
• The other processing option is the AutoXpress Process (AXP)  developed by Thermogenesis.   The AXP method is automated, fully closed and sterile.  With AXP processing, the final storage is in a bag with two compartments and 4 integrally attached segments.
• Quality control is accredited by ISO and by Hellenic National Accreditation System (ESYD).
• Biohellenika was the first cord blood bank in Greece to be accredited under ISO15189, since Feb. 2008.
• The frozen cord blood remains in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen, to prevent cross-contamination, until virology tests are complete.  After passing virology tests the cord blood is stored in liquid nitrogen.
• As of July 2010, the fees are €120 enrollment, €980 processing, and €60 annual storage.
  
• The first year of storage is included in the processing fee.
• Prepay 20 years storage for €700
• Discount of free first year to medical doctors.
  
• As of July 2010, Biohellenika claims an inventory of over 23,000 cord blood collections and has released two collections for autologous therapy in the USA.
  
• Biohellenkia is a founding member of the Association of Hellenic Cord Blood Banks (EETOA)

PERINATAL TISSUE BANKING SERVICES:

Biohellenika offers storage of blood from the umbilical cord, blood from the placenta, umbilical cord tissue (Wharton's jelly), and amniotic fluid stem cells.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Biohellenika was founded and functions under the responsibility of the physicians Dr. George Koliakos and Dr. Kouzi-Koliakou, who belong to the Aristotle University Medical School Faculty.  Biohellenika offers multiple forms of stem cell storage.  In addition to perinatal stem cell storage, Biohellenika offers storage of stem cells from adipose tissue and deciduous teeth. 

The name Biohellenika is an umbrella covering multiple companies:

• Biohellenika Biotechnology company (Thessaloniki, Greece)
• Biohellenika Biotechnology applications (Athens, Greece)
• Cellenika Biotechnology International
• TAK EIE (Athens, Greece)
• Cyvio Biotechnology International
• Biohellenika SRL (Cluj Napoca, Romania).

Back to top

INTERNET: www.biophylaxis.com; or Email info@biophylaxis.com
PHONE: 801-11-25200  or  +30 210 252 0026
OFFICE + STORAGE: located within the Laboratory of Cell and Matrix Pathobiology of the Institute of Biology at the NCSR "Demokritos", in Athens, Greece

COMMENT:
Biophylaxis  is the only cord blood bank in Greece which was started by the Ministry of Development as a "spin-off company".   Website in Greek and English.

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:

• Biophylaxis operates in collaboration with the Hellenic Public Cord Blood Bank at the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens.
• The research institute at NCSR "Demokritos" is a national security area with 24-hour surveillance and restricted entry.
  
• Transport of blood from the maternity clinic to the laboratory is performed only by couriers authorized for the transport of biological substances.
• Collection kit is designed to maintain cord blood at temperature between 15-25 degrees Celsius for up to 48 hours.
• Because Biophylaxis collaborates with the Hellenic Public Cord Blood Bank, the cord blood processing procedure endeavors to follow FACT/Netcord standards.
  
• Biophylaxis technicians manually separate MonoNuclear Cells.
• Final storage is in Pall bags with six compartments (one main and five smaller) each, plus for a small extra charge parents have the option to store in two bags (a total of 12 compartments).
• Processing fee covers 25 years storage.  Biophylaxis is currently (Nov 2008) the only cord blood storage company in Greece with a 25 year contract.
• Biophylaxis service contract requires that quality tests be performed on the stored stem cells at 10 and 20 years and will notify the parents with the results. 
• Discount of 50% for twins, discount for clients who are medical professionals.
• Payment plans available.
• Biophylaxis is a founding member of the Association of Hellenic Cord Blood Banks (EETOA)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The principle scientific staff of Biophylaxis are:

• Photini-Effie C. Tsilibary, M.D., Ph.D. supervises the scientific team.
• Garyfallia Drossopoulo, Ph.D. is in charge of the laboratory.
• Nikolaos Tsotakos has been trained under Dr. Drossopoulou in the handling of human cells.

Back to top

INTERNET: www.cellgenea.gr
PHONE: +30 801 11 248000 or +30 231 028 2835
OFFICE + STORAGE: located within the Trade Center Plateia, Thessaloniki, Greece

COMMENT:
Cellgenea is one of the divisions of the Greek biotechnology company Biogenea: each division of Biogenea specializes in a different type of stem cell storage and its therapeutic applications.  Website in Greek and English.

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:

• Additional offices are located in Athens, Alexandroupolis, Larissa,  University Campus of Ioannina, and Heralkio, Crete.
• Biogenea-Cellgenea advises collection of cord blood before the delivery of the placenta, by gravity drip.
• Biogenea-Cellgenea provides courier transport of the collection in special boxes with gel packs.
• Laboratory processing is mostly done by technicians who deplete red cells by sedimentation, followed by centrifugation to separate white cells and stem cells.
  
• Quality control is accredited by ISO and by Hellenic National Accreditation System (ESYD).
• Final storage is in both vials and blood bags, immersed in liquid nitrogen.
• The total fees for collection, processing, and cryopreservation of cord blood are Euro 1500 (Feb. 2010).
  
• Biogenea-Cellgenea also offers combined service of storing both cord blood and cord tissue (Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton's Jelly) for Euro 2200 (Feb. 2010).
• Prices include 20 years of storage.
  
• As of Feb. 2010, Biogenea-Cellgenea claims an inventory of over 10,000 cord blood collections.
• Biogenea-Cellgenea is a founding member of the Association of Hellenic Cord Blood Banks (EETOA)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Biogenea-Cellgenea focuses on the collection, processing, cryopreservation and cGMP production (solely for human autologous use) of cellular therapeutics using cell sources from blood (bone marrow, peripheral blood, cord blood) or from cord tissue, from dental pulp, or from skin.  The staff of Biogenea-Cellgenea have published in medical journals about their laboratory procedures and protocol for isolating MSC from Wharton's Jelly.  Biogenea-Cellgenea has ongoing scientific collaborations with these organizations:

• Regenetech holds the exclusive rights to 13 patents originally issued to NASA, including cell expansion in a simulated weightless environment.  Cellgenea is their exclusive partner in Greece.
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece)
• Technological Park of Ioannina (Greece)
• Gynecological University Clinic of Ioannina (Greece)
• Hematological and Oncological Clinic of the University of Heidelberg (Germany)
• GMP Unlimited (Γερμανία) is a German company which designs clean rooms that meet cGMP standards.
  

Back to top

INTERNET: www.cryo-save.com  
PHONE:  +41 55 420 40 03
OFFICE: Cryo-Save Group AG in Pfäffikon SZ, Switzerland
STORAGE: Laboratory in Mechelen, Belgium, accredited under ISO17025.
As of early 2005, a second portion of the processed cord blood is being stored in a secret location in the Netherlands.

COMMENT:

• Cryo-Save is the largest private/family cord blood bank in Europe
  
• The Cryo-Save laboratory in Belgium serves numerous European marketing affiliates.

AFFILIATES: Cryo-Save has numerous international affiliates, with websites available in a rainbow of languages. These affiliates are licensed by Cryo-Save, which means they receive training and technologies, but they are free to set their own pricing and marketing. 

• Albania: Cryo-Save Balcanica Ltd. www.cryo-save.com/albania
• Cyprus: Renaissance Cryo-Preservation and Health Care Ltd.  www.cryo-save.com/cyprus
• Greece: Cryo-Save Balcanica Ltd. www.cryo-save.com/greece
• Macedonia: Bi-Mek Ltd. www.cryo-save.com/macedonia

 
SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:

• Prices listed in the summary table represent a direct contract with Belgium from Germany.
• Since October 2007 Cryo-Save adopted automated laboratory processing to replace human handling; this reduces possible contamination and increases laboratory capacity. 
  
• Cryo-Save processing method uses the automated Sepax system from the Swiss company Biosafe.  Sepax is an automated cell separation system which relies on a laser beam to sense the density gradient between different cell layers after the blood has been spun in a centrifuge.  The bag kit is sterile, functionally closed, and single-use.
• Cryo-Save storage divides the final stem cell sample into two blood bags. 
  
• The bags are split between two locations: the laboratory in Mechelen, Belgium, and a secret storage location in The Netherlands. 
• Cryo-Save operates a charity program offering free banking if a first degree relative of the baby has a medical diagnosis which is currently treatable with stem cells. Parents should contact Cryo-Save for more information.
• As of May 2009, Cryo-Save has 105,000  cord blood collections in storage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:



Back to top

INTERNET: www.cryo-tech.gr
PHONE: 0030.2410.623871
OFFICE + STORAGE: Larissa, Greece

COMMENT:
Cryotech is the only cord blood laboratory in central Greece and operates 365 days of the year.  Sales offices are located in Lamia, Patras, and Ioannina.  Website in Greek is under construction.

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:

• Cryotech laboratory is encased in high security, with cleanliness insured by air flow, HEPA filters, and UV lamps.  Parents may visit the lab and see their cord blood.
• Cryotech provides blood bags for cord blood collection by gravity drip, the method desired by maternity doctors.
  
• Cryotech uses their own personnel, who are on stand-by 24/7, to pick up their client's cord blood directly from the maternity doctor and transport it to the lab.
• Cryotech advises parents that there is NO courier company which provides service in Greece on Sundays and Holidays.  The only way to be guaranteed transport service any day of the year is to use a bank which provides that service.
• Cryotech employees transport cord blood in company cars so that it typically reaches the laboratory within 3 to 6 hours after birth.  The cord blood is carried in an insulated container with a temperature logger.
• Cryotech is the only cord blood bank in Greece which stores whole blood.
• The laboratory processing procedure endeavors to follow FACT/Netcord standards.
• Cryotech performs all the microbiological and virological tests required by the EU Tissue Directives.
• Final storage is in multiple cryovials.  The multiple containers provide the ability for partial thawing and additional testing if needed.  The vial temperature is lowered in a controlled rate freezer, then final preservation is in a cryogenic freezer.  
• Individual client record includes: testing results, transport temperature record, freezing cycle curve record, list of materials used (manufacturer, type and lot number), as well as cryopreservation record from the date of birth to the date of release.
• Processing fee covers 20 years storage. 
  
• Discounts for multiple births and returning clients.
  
• Cryotech is a founding member of the Association of Hellenic Cord Blood Banks (EETOA).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Cryotech was founded in 2006 by Georgios Karavanas, a Biologist with a Master's in Molecular Biology and Immunology and a PhD in Viral Genetics.  He studied at the Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary, and then did his PhD research with the "Retrovirus Group" at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, CNRS, France.  Following some post-doctoral work at the University Hospital of Maastricht, Nederlands, he returned to Greece and worked at the University of Thessaly, Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, and at the Technological Institute of Larissa, Dept. of medical laboratories.  Since Founding Cryotech in 2006, he has served as both the CEO and Scientific Director.  The current (Jan. 2010) staff of Cryotech include 1 Medical Doctor, 2 PhD's in Genetics and Molecular Biology, 2 MSc in Biomedical Sciences and 2 BSc in Biology.

Back to top

INTERNET: www.futurehealth.co.uk; or Email info@futurehealth.co.uk
PHONE: +44 115 967 7707
OFFICE: UK / EU headquarters in Nottingham, England
STORAGE: Nottingham Science and Technology Park, a technology incubator next to the University of Nottingham, Nottingham UK.  Future Health laboratory holds the following accreditations:

• UK Human Tissue Authority (HTA) License 11058 (1 Sept 2006)
• UK HTA Renewal License 22503 (2 April 2008, expires April 2011)
• ISO 9001: Certificate number- FS 554566
  

COMMENT: Future Health holds a full HTA License and their cord blood may be legally used at any hospital within the EU; either for the donor, the donor's family, or an unrelated person.  Website in multiple languages.

AFFILIATES:

• Cyprus: +357 22 671700 or info@futurehealth.co.uk
• Greece:  +302 106003030 or info@futurehealth.co.uk
• Macedonia: + 389 23 298 782 or info@futurehealth.co.uk

CORD BLOOD BANKING SERVICES:

• Collection bag is custom-designed and already contains CPD anti-coagulant.  Individual aluminum sterile packaging with two needles for increased safety. Needles have increased diameter to maximize the volume collected.
• The timing of the collection, whether before or after delivery of the placenta, is at the discretion of the healthcare professional.
• Future Health base price includes shipping.
• All shipping containers are carried by medical couriers (in most countries this is DHL).
• The cord blood and the cord tissue are transported in a fully accredited thermal shipping box for protection against adverse temperature conditions (ΙΑΤΑ και UN3373) by couriers approved for medical samples. The proprietary transportation box was designed by Future Health. 
  
• The transportation system was tested and accredited by the independent agency Institut Belge de l’Emabllage sprl, which tests packaging for compliance with I.A.T.A. regulations.  Accreditation number: P1 650 Conform DHL / IBE G-07.004
• Maternal blood tests are conducted with PCR (NAT) testing.
• Processing is conducted in sterile Clean Rooms in laboratories owned by Future Health (grade B Clean Rooms & grade A laminar flow work areas)
• Future Health processing method is the automated Sepax system from the Swiss company Biosafe.  Sepax is an automated cell separation system which relies on a laser beam to sense the density gradient between different cell layers after the blood has been spun in a centrifuge.  The bag kit is sterile, functionally closed, and single-use. 
• Cord blood collections pass through testing for contamination, quality, cell counts and viability.
• If the cord blood fails quality control, there is no charge for processing.
• Final storage is in a bag with multiple compartments plus testing segments.
• Future Health saves all the components of cord blood, not just the stem cells, in order to cover all possibilities of future use. They also store samples of red blood cells and plasma. These samples can be used for future testing, diagnostic purposes, tissue typing (histocompatibility testing) or any other future medical use without disturbing the main sample.
• The freezer tanks, called "dewars", are filled with the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen.
• Before being placed in the freezer tanks the blood bags receive a secondary protective overwrap bag, which is designed to prevent any cross-contamination between collections in the tank.
  
• Each cord blood collection is placed in a metal outer storage canister for enhanced mechanical protection, with a metallic bar coded identification label.
• The initial 6 months of storage are spent in a quarantine tank.  These multiple precautions against contamination ensure that the cord blood is safe for use by an unrelated donor.
• The freezer tanks are capable of operating without electricity and there is 24/7 recording of storage condition parameters.
• The laboratory is protected by a 24/7 security system and security personnel on site.
• Private client information is handled according to the UK Data Protection Act
• Future Health offers EU families the choice of annual storage payments or a 20 year contract.
• Discount of 20% processing and storage fees for returning customers; twin discount 50% on 2nd child.
• As of Dec. 2009, Future Health claims an inventory of over 27,000 cord blood collections.
• Future Health is one of the founding members of Cord Blood Europe.

CORD TISSUE BANKING SERVICES:

• Future Health is the first and to date (March 2010) only UK Human Tissue Bank to offer a service to collect and store cord tissue as well as cord blood. 
• Future Health only offers cord tissue storage with cord blood service.  The collection kit and storage fee are only charged once for the combined service.
• The tissue of the umbilical cord, which doctors call "Wharton's Jelly" is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), a cell type which is common in bone marrow but hard to obtain from cord blood.
• MSC have great potential in the field of regenerative medicine because they can differentiate to form tissues such as bone, cartilage, tendon or muscle.
• Clinical trials with MSC are exploring their use to suppress GvHD, treat heart attacks, and treat mutliple sclerosis.
• Optimal methods of processing and storing MSC are an area of ongoing research. 
  
• FutureHealth offers these options for cord tissue preservation:

1. Minimal Manipulation: freeze a section of the cord a few cm long. 
2. MSC extraction and cryopreservation.
3. MSC extraction, expansion, and cryopreservation. (not commercially available yet)
   

Back to top

INTERNET: www.liaison.com.gr
PHONE: +30 2311 9999 80 / 81
OFFICE + STORAGE: located in the business incubator THERMI in Thessaloniki, Greece

COMMENT:
Liaison is the first cord blood bank based in Greece and holds the ISO 15189 accreditation for clinical laboratories.   Website in Greek and English.

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:

• Liaison ships cord blood in a box insulated with gel packs and uses a nationwide courier which guarantees delivery to the laboratory within 24 hours.
  
• Liaison processing method is the Sepax system from the Swiss company Biosafe.
• Sepax is a fully automated cell separation system which relies on a laser beam to sense the density gradient between different cell layers after the blood has been spun in a centrifuge.  The bag kit is sterile, functionally closed, and single-use.  
• Final storage is in Pall bags with two compartments.
• Processing fee covers 20 years storage.
  
• For twins, the second child is discounted 50%.
• Liaison is a member of the Association of Hellenic Cord Blood Banks (EETOA).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The founders of Liaison are members of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the scientific staff of the company are PhD-level scientists.

Back to top

INTERNET: www.lifebanklab.com; Email info@lifebanklab.com
PHONE: (+357) 7000 8484
OFFICE: headquarters in Pafos, Cyprus
STORAGE: laboratory is located in the private hospital Evangelismos Hospital, Pafos, Cyprus 

COMMENT: Strategic alliance with Chaim Sheba Medical Centre of Tel Hashomer Hospital in Israel. All scientific and medical staff were trained at Tel Hashomer. Website in Greek and English.

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:

• Storage costs Euro 720 for the first 5 years. Other options are Euro 935 for 10 years or Euro 1100 for 20 years.
• Price includes courier transport.

Back to top

INTERNET: www.lifelinecordblood.com; Email info@lifeline.com.cy  
PHONE: +(357) 7777 2000
OFFICE: Headquarters Nicosia, Cyprus
STORAGE: Laboratory Nicosia, Cyprus

COMMENT:
Lifeline adheres to the high standards for human tissues established by the UK and EU.  Website in Greek and English.

AFFILIATES:
Lifeline has international distributors, with websites available in the local language and English. These distributors are licensed by Lifeline, which means they follow Lifeline’s Quality System and receive training and technologies, but they are free to set their own pricing structure and marketing.

• Lebanon - Beirut (40min flight to Cyprus)
• Jordan
• Romania - Bucharest
  
• Syria
  

CORD BLOOD BANKING SERVICES:

• Lifeline is licensed as a tissue center by the Republic of Cyprus, Ministry of Health, according to Cyprus and EU regulations.
• Lifeline laboratory has ISO 15189:2007 accreditation for cord blood banking.
• Lifeline collection kit provides a sterile bag that can be used in the operating room.  The bag already contains anti-coagulant.
  
• Lifeline laboratory operates 24/7, 365 days of the year.
• Price does not include shipping.  All shipping containers are carried by trained medical couriers.
• Lifeline endeavors to process and freeze cord blood and tissue within 48 hours from the moment of birth.
  
• The shipping package (LifeKit) was designed by Lifeline and is thermally insulated to keep the blood well below room temperature.  It is accredited by an independent authorized testing lab to meet requirements of the UN3373 as well as IATA 650m for the transport of biological substances (category B). It contains a temperature recorder.  
• Serological / Infectious disease testing are performed on the maternal blood sample.
• Lifeline processing method uses the automated Sepax system from the Swiss company Biosafe. Sepax is a semi-automated cell separation system which relies on a laser beam to sense the density gradient between different cell layers after the blood has been spun in a centrifuge. The bag kit is sterile, functionally closed, and single-use.
• If cord blood fails quality control, there is no charge for processing.  Due to high quality and safety criteria, some cord blood units are rejected from banking.
  
• Final storage is in a dual compartment bag (80%/20%) and 2 testing segments. For quality control purposes, umbilical cord blood, plasma, red cells, and a maternal blood sample are also cryopreserved in cryovials.
• All cord blood units are cryopreserved in Chart / MVE tanks in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen.
• Option to pre-pay storage for 20 years for 1745€ inclusive of VAT.
  
• Plans to finance payments through a bank are available.  
• Discount on storage fees for returning customers; twin discount 50% on 2nd child.
• If a family member has a disease that is treatable with stem cells, Lifeline provides the storage cost free of charge, charging only 85€ for the collection kit and 510€ for processing and testing.

CORD TISSUE BANKING SERVICES:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Lifeline has an international scientific advisory board.

Back to top

INTERNET: www.mzois.gr
PHONE: 003 2310 390000, 003 6949 390000
OFFICE + STORAGE: Thessaloniki, Greece

COMMENT: 
"MOSCHEYMA ZOIS" is Greek for "Transplant of Life!"

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:

• MOSCHEYMA ZOIS owns the premises in which they operate.
• Recommended collection method is gravity drip into a bag containing 20ml CPD as anticoagulant.
• Shipping container includes thermo-stabilising gels and a thermo-insulated container.
• Courier service is not included in the contract.
• MOSCHEYMA ZOIS processing method is the Sepax system from the Swiss company Biosafe.
• Sepax is a fully automated cell separation system which relies on a laser beam to sense the density gradient between different cell layers after the blood has been spun in a centrifuge.  The bag kit is sterile, functionally closed, and single-use.
• MOSCHEYMA ZOIS endeavors to follow FACT/Netcord standards of processing.
• MOSCHEYMA ZOIS have been certified according to ISO 9001:2000 and received accreditation by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) according to ISO 15189:2007
• Final storage is in Pall bags with two compartments; the bags are protected by a metal canister.  There are 3-4 testing segments attached to the bag.
• The final storage bag is immersed in liquid nitrogen.
• In addition to the main bag of cord blood stem cells, MOSCHEYMA ZOIS stores two 1ml vials of stem cells in a separate tank, in the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen, as well as two vials of plasma in freezers.
• Parents receive a certificate of cryopreservation, that includes all results of the laboratory testing performed for bacterial and fungal contamination, white blood cell count and CD34+ stem cell enumeration.
• Processing fee covers 20 years storage.
• Discounts for multiple births and returning customers.
• MOSCHEYMA ZOIS is a founding member of the Association of Hellenic Cord Blood Banks (EETOA).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Moscheyma Zois is supported by biopathology laboratories with a 30-year experience in their field.  Moscheyma Zois do not have any research facilities to date, nor do they collaborate with a research facility.  Their sole purpose is to store cord blood stem cells for future use by the families who choose private banking.

Back to top

INTERNET: www.omnigen.gr
PHONE: +30 210 6010300
STORAGE: lab and storage located in Athens, Greece

COMMENTS:
Omnigen is a private company founded in Greece, and a founding member of the Hellenic Association of Cord Blood Banks (EETOA).  Website in Greek.

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:

• Omnigen is one of the first cord blood banks in Greece and was the first to obtain ISO 17025 accreditation for tissue banking.
• Omnigen recommends collection of cord blood before delivery of the placenta, using gravity drip into a blood bag.
• Omnigen follows the cord blood lab procedures pioneered at the NY Blood Center by Dr. Pablo Rubinstein.
• Omnigen technicians manually separate MonoNuclear Cells via sedimentation in Hetastarch, followed by spin cycle in a centrifuge.
• The final storage is separated MNC kept in three cryovials in liquid nitrogen.
• In addition to basic testing for contamination, Omnigen runs CD34+ counts desired by transplant doctors.
• The processing fee includes 20 years of storage.
• Discount 50% on 2nd child of twins.
• Omnigen is a member of the Association of Hellenic Cord Blood Banks (EETOA).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Omnigen is the first family bank in Greece to begin offering the additional service of storing mesenchymal cells from the umbilical cord tissue (called Wharton's Jelly).


Back to top

INTERNET: www.procell.gr
PHONE: +30 210 6104 195-6
OFFICE + STORAGE: Athens, Greece

COMMENT:
ProCell Ltd is a biotechnology company with a branch offering family banking of cord blood, established in March 2004.  Website in Greek and English.

CORD BLOOD BANKING SERVICE:

• ProCell contract includes courier transport from the maternity clinic to the lab.
• ProCell collection kit contains gel packs to maintain stable temperature.  The kit has been tested to maintain room temperature for 48 hours, but delivery time is usually 30 min to 36 hours.
  
• ProCell processing method follows the protocol developed by Dr. Pablo Rubinstein at the NY Blood Center: technicians manually separate cells by hespan sedimentation, followed by a centrifuge spin.
• ProCell will not store any collections which do not pass testing for infectious diseases and contamination.
  
• Final storage is in 5 vials: 4 for potential use and 1 small portion for testing.
• ProCell freezers use the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen.
• The total fee of Euro 1750 (March 2010) is payable in up to 12 installments.
  
• The price includes 20 years of storage.
  
• Discounts available for health care professionals, twins, and returning clients.
  
• As of March 2010, ProCell claims an inventory of over 5,000 cord blood collections.
• ProCell is a founding member of the Association of Hellenic Cord Blood Banks (EETOA).

CORD TISSUE BANKING SERVICE:

• ProCell also offers storage of the tissue of the umbilical cord, which doctors call "Wharton's Jelly".  It is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), a cell type which is common in bone marrow but hard to obtain from cord blood.
• MSC have great potential in the field of regenerative medicine because they can differentiate to form tissues such as bone, cartilage, tendon or muscle.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The ProCell website gives biographies of technical staff.  ProCells prides itself on teaching parents accurate information based on recent recent medical and scientific publications.  ProCell also cooperates with Neolab to offer parents newborn screening for 46 metabolic disorders, plus an accurate HPV mRNA test which can detect virus activity.

Back to top

INTERNET:  www.stemhealth.eu
PHONE: 800-11-7836-235 (free fixed line) and 211 700 78 00 (mobile)
OFFICE + STORAGE: located within the Hygeia Hospital in Athens, Greece

COMMENT:
Stem-Health Hellas was jointly established by “MITERA” and “LETO” maternity clinics and “HYGEIA” Hospital.  Website in Greek and English.

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:

• Stem-Health Hellas management team is composed of professionals who are committed to excellence in the arena of childbirth.
• Cord blood is collected by gravity drip into a blood bag.
• Contract includes transport in a container whose temperature is maintained by Inmark gel wrap.
  
• The courier service specializes in transport of human tissue.
• Stem-Health Hellas technicians manually separate MonoNuclear Cells.
• Final storage is in bags with dual large compartments and three testing segments.
• Processing fee covers 20 years storage. 
• Final storage is in liquid nitrogen.
  
• Discounts for returning customers or multiple pregnancies.
• Payment plans available, discount for prepaid storage.
• If the cord blood holds an infectious disease, parents will be advised.  If they wish to store anyway, the stem cells will be stored in a separate "quarantine' freezer at extra cost.
• If the stem cells are not suitable for storage (contamination or insufficient blood quantity), Stem-Health Hellas will only charge for their collection and processing. The remaining balance will be refunded to the parents.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The major shareholder of Stem-Health Hellas is the Hygeia private hospital.  Stem-Health Hellas works closely with two major     maternity centers of the Hygeia group,  “Mitera” and “Leto” with 17,000 births per year.

Stem-Health Hellas has an international partnership with New England Cord Blood Bank, which has provided their training in laboratory procedures for cord blood processing.


Back to top