Private Cord Blood Banks in the UK

Invitation to UK Parents to participate in a Sociology Study:
The political and Moral Economy of Umbilical Cord Blood Banking

Download invitation letter (doc file; else go to their website)

The study website explains that all stakeholders in the arena of cord blood banking will be interviewed; the appeal on this website is directed at parents.  The Principal Investigators are Dr. Nik Brown and Prof. Andrew Webster of the University of York.  They study runs from April 2009 until March 2011.  (This notice was posted Nov. 2009)
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BioVault Human Tissue Bank Ltd.

INTERNET: www.bio-vault.co.uk
PHONE: +44 (0)1752 753720
OFFICE + STORAGE: Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park, Plymouth, UK
 
COMMENTS: 
  • BioVault is the UK's largest private human tissue bank  and is licensed to handle all human tissue types.
  • BioVault holds an open ended, unconditional HTA License 11063 covering every aspect of all transplantable material for human application.
  • BioVault does not handle, store, or process embryonic stem cells or any cells originating from aborted foetuses.

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:
  • BioVault does not market directly to consumers (as of Oct 2009), but this entry provides information for parents who wish to learn more about their laboratory services.
  • BioVault provides public cord blood banking services for the UK National Health Service (NHS).
  • BioVault is the contract lab used by several private cord blood banks in the UK and EU.  See the list of BioVault clients.
  • BioVault's stem cell recovery process is manual and based on the volume reduction method pioneered by Dr. Rubinstein at the NY Blood Center.
  • BioVault has validated their stem cell recovery rate as above 95%.
  • As of  September 2009, BioVault 's cord blood inventory was over 16,000 collections from over 10 countries. 
  • BioVault has released 4 cord blood stem cell transplants on behalf of private clients, as well as 760 bone marrow stem cell transplants on behalf of the NHS, all with a 100% success record (as of Sept 2009).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
BioVault was set up in 2002 to serve public and private health sectors looking to outsource the processing and storage of human tissue to an accredited and experienced expert.  In July 2009,  the company was awarded an open dated (no expiry), unconditional HTA Licence which has been formally extended to cover every aspect of all transplantable material for human application. This means BioVault is now essentially dual-licensed to cover the storage of human tissue for any application (pathology, public display, human research, education, performance assessment, public health monitoring and quality assurance).    No other private banks hold this degree or depth of  license from the HTA. 

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Cells4Life Ltd. UK

INTERNET: www.cells4life.co.uk; Email enquiry@cells4life.co.uk
PHONE: 44 (0) 12 7323 4676 
OFFICE: Sussex Innovation Centre, Brighton, Sussex, East Sussex UK
STORAGE: Cells4Life operates their own laboratory in Brighton, storage is split between the Brighton Lab and a facility in Essex.

COMMENT: Cells4Life is accredited by the UK Human Tissue Authority to cover all aspects of procuring, processing, testing, storing, and distribution of whole blood: HTA License 11083

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:
  • Cells4Life collection kit includes extra supplies in case of need.
  • Cells4Life is the only UK company to store whole blood, not just the stem cells.  Cells4Life stores in 3 to 6 separate samples, in case the family wishes to use a portion at a time.
  • Cells4Life is the only UK company whose lab operates 24/7, 365 days of the year.
  • Dedicated medical courier transport is provided throughout the whole of England and Wales.
  • The premium storage plan price covers collection kit, dedicated medical courier collection & delivery to their processing facility, all maternal blood testing, cryopreservation, and storage for 25 years.
  • Cells4Life standard storage period is 25 years prepaid. 
  • Refund all monies (less administrative fees) if collected blood fails quality control.
  • Payments can be spread over 12 months.
  • Discounts offered for returning customers and multiple births.
  • Final storage is in two separate geographic locations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This company is founded and operated by British medical scientists; they do not perform stem cell research.  When they started in 2003, the entire operation of Cells4Life was run out of the Sussex Innovation Centre, a technology incubator partly sponsored by the University of Sussex, in East Sussex UK.  As of 2007, they have established their own laboratory and storage in Brighton, and also have a second storage facility in Essex.

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Cells Limited

INTERNET: www.cellslimited.com
PHONE: +44 (0)800 11 CELLS (23557) answered 24/7
OFFICE: London
STORAGE: lab and storage of Cryo-Save  in Niel, Belgium (this lab accredited under ISO17025)  and in the Netherlands.

COMMENT: Cells Limited is a UK partner of Cryo-Save and holds a limited HTA License 22520 covering procurement and distribution of cord blood.

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:
  • Mother's blood is not required; instead they perform PCR on the cord blood collection to check for the presence of virus or parasites rather than a less sensitive test for antibodies.
  • Temperature controlled kit provided for shipping.
  • Cryo-Save uses automated laboratory processing to replace human handling; this reduces possible contamination and increases laboratory capacity. 
  • Cryo-Save processes cod blood with 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 Niel, Belgium, and a secret storage location in The Netherlands. 
  • No processing and storage fee for a failed sample; borderline samples are stored at company expense until the sample can be made usable in the future.
  • There is no fee to withdraw a collection that is needed for transplant.
  • Charity program run by Cryo-Save: Family Donation Programme offers free banking to a newborn if a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease treatable by stem cells.
  • As of Dec. 2009, Cryo-Save claims to have 120,000  cord blood collections in storage.

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CryoGENESIS International Ltd.
also known as
LifeCells

INTERNET: www.cryo-genesis.com
PHONE: 0800 458 3304
OFFICE: Liverpool
STORAGE: UK lab is BioVault; see website for other labs in other countries

COMMENT: CryoGENESIS and/or LifeCells claim to be a marketing portal to multiple stem cell laboratories storing a variety of cell types.

*** Neither CryoGENESIS nor LifeCells have an HTA License to procure cord blood in the UK. ***

SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:
  • Cord blood clients have the option to store in the UK, or with Cryo-Save in Belgium/Holland.  Only the UK lab BioVault carries an HTA License to provide transplants in NHS hospitals.
  • Adult stem cell storage harvested from either peripheral blood or bone marrow is offered in the UK lab.
  • Storage of stem cells from baby teeth (called "milk teeth" in the UK) is offered in partnership with Bioeden of Austin, Texas, USA.  This is marketed as a "second chance" for parents who missed the opportunity to store cord blood.
  • Client call centre operated 24-7.
  • Standard shipping is by DHL; if client requests a medical courier they use World Courier.
  • If there is no storage, for whatever reason, ALL fees are refunded.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CryoGENESIS Ltd. was founded in 2005 as a marketing company for Cryo-Save in Belgium, but in 2006 was taken over by new leadership and revamped as a marketing portal for multiple stem cell services.  In early 2010 the name LifeCells appeared.

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Future Health Technologies, Ltd.

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:
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 UK families the choice of a 20 year or a 25 year storage 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.

    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)

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    Smart Cells International

    INTERNET: www.smartcells.com;  Email uk@smartcells.com
    PHONE: +44 (0) 20 7436 9966  
    OFFICE: UK / EU headquarters in London
    STORAGE: West Drayton near Heathrow airport, UK.
     
    COMMENT: 
    As of spring 2009, SmartCells has established their own laboratory and updated their processing equipment, without raising prices.  The new lab minimizes travel times and maximizes cost savings.  HTA License 22522 covers all aspects of procuring, processing, testing, storing, and distribution.

    AFFILIATES:
    The Smart Cells service package may differ from one country to another according to local regulations.  Please check the local office for details. 

    SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:
    • Enrollment fee of £195 covers kit and is not refundable.
    • Smart Cells uses a proprietary collection kit designed to maintain the cord blood at ambient temperature during shipping.
    • Smart Cells 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. 
    • Smart Cells uses their own lab for all tests associated with storage.
    • Final storage is in Pall blood bags which have two portions holding 80%/20% volume.
    • Cryogenic storage is in the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen.
    • Smart Cells stores 100% of your child's stem cells for your family.
    • The Smart Cells contract covers 25 years of storage.
    • Smart Cells will not conduct any research on your child's cells, nor will they donate any cells without your permission.
    • Clients will receive a complete refund if the cells are transplanted within one year of storage. 
    • No hidden costs.  Payment plans are available and discounts on pre-paid storage are available.
    • As of May 2009, Smart Cells claims an inventory of 15,000 cord blood collections from 12 countries, and has released 2 successful transplants.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
    This company has always been independently owned. It was formerly named CryoCare (UK) Ltd and prior to 2004 used the Cryo-Save laboratory in Mechelen, Belgium.  Until 1 April 2009, Smart Cells used the BioVault cryogenic laboratory in Plymouth, England, which is accredited to provide  tissue bank services to the National Health Service and to private clients.  All cord blood collections stored at BioVault up to and including 1 April 2009 remain at BioVault.  The managing director of Smart Cells International is Shamshad Ahmed.  The Scientific Director is Peter Hollands, PhD.

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    UK Cord Blood Bank Ltd.

    INTERNET: www.cordbloodbank.co.uk
    PHONE:  +44 (0) 20 7291 4569
    OFFICE: London, England
    STORAGE: New England Cryogenic Center, Boston, MA

    COMMENT: UK Cord Blood Bank is a UK partner of New England Cord Blood Bank and holds a limited HTA License covering procurement and distribution of cord blood.

    SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:
    • The laboratory of New England Cryogenic Center is accredited by AABB.
    • Since July 2009, NECBB processing method uses the AutoXpress Process (AXP)  developed by Thermogenesis.   The AXP is an automated, fully closed, and sterile system that consistently retrieves 97% of the MonoNucleated Cells (MNC) from cord blood (see the page on lab processing).
    • NECBB still offers processing of smaller collections by Ficoll-Hypaque density centrifugation.
    • Final cryogenic storage is in AXP multi-compartment bags.
    •  The processing fee includes transport costs from UK/EU to the laboratory in Boston, USA.
    • UKCBB has supplied stem cells for 6 transplants of UK patients.
    • UKCBB will contribute £50 per cord blood sample to the collecting hospital/midwife.
    • UKCBB provides all clients with an Indemnification Form releasing hospitals from any legal action relating to the collection of cord blood.
    • The processing fee is refundable if collected cord blood fails quality control.
    • Flexible storage payment options are offered.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
     New England Cryogenic Center, founded in 1988, is the largest cryogenic facility in North America, and is the parent company of New England Cord Blood Bank, which has been processing cord blood since 1995.

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    Virgin Health Bank QSTP-LLC

    INTERNET: www.virginhealthbank.com or Email enquiries@virginhealthbank.com
    PHONE: +44 (0) 845 620 9665
    OFFICE: London, UK
    STORAGE: BioVault, Plymouth Intnl. Medical and Technology Park, Plymouth, UK

    COMMENT: Virgin Health Bank has moved their HQ from the UK to Qatar (Qatar Science & Technology Park, Doha, Qatar), where they are building a laboratory to be operational Dec. 2010.  Meanwhile, they continue to use the lab of BioVault in the UK.  Virgin Health Bank holds a UK limited HTA License 22514 covering procurement and distribution of cord blood.

    SERVICES & DISCOUNT OPTIONS:
    • Virgin Health Bank launched in the UK in Feb 2007 with an innovative service offering parents dual public/private cord blood banking: the parents pay for the processing, and the collection is split 20% for family use and 80% for donation to the public in case of need.
    • The BioVault laboratory has stored over 16,000 cord blood samples and released 760 for transplantation.
    • The BioVault processing method separates MonoNuclear Cells by sedimentation.
    • The public/private portions of the cord blood are both stored in bags, in separate freezers, in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen.
    • Dedicated 24/7 collection hotline for parents.
    • Enrollment fee is £150(UK) covers the collection kit, administrative costs, and courier service.  No extra charge for weekend or holiday courier service.
    • The processing fee of  £1350(UK) is due upon receipt of the cord blood and maternal blood for testing.
    • Parents are fully refunded if, for whatever reason, there is no storage.
    • Standard contract includes 20 years of storage.
    • In case of a transplant, the cord blood will be repatriated at no cost, worldwide.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

    Virgin Health Bank is an enterprise under the "Virgin" brand name founded by Richard Branson.  They first launched cord blood banking in the UK in early 2007.  At that time Business Week reported that Branson supplied the Virgin brand name while the bulk of the $20 million financing was supplied by the biotech venture capital firm, Excalibur (formerly Merlin Biosciences, the private equity house of Professor Sir Christopher Evans OBE).  Profits were split equally, but Branson pledged that Virgin's share would be donated to support research in umbilical cord blood stem cells.

    In March 2009, The Qatar Foundation and Virgin Health Bank announced a partnership to relocate the headquarters of VHB QSTP to the Qatar Science & Technology Park in Doha, along with the commissioning of a brand new cryogenic storage facility.  The QSTP incarnation of Virgin Health Bank will be a traditional family bank where all of the cord blood is saved for the family.

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    Last modified: 13.April 2010
    Copyright 2000 - 2010 Frances Verter