Family Bank: Sorgente+

About

Sorgente+ S.r.l. is a partner of FamiCord Group, the largest network of cord blood banks in Europe. 

Labs and Locations

Sorgente entrusts its client samples to the laboratory of Polski Bank Komórek Macierzystych S.A. (PBKM) laboratory, at the headquarters of the FamiCord banking network.

Business Experience

Sorgente has staff answering telephones 365 days a year. The Scientific Director of Sorgente is Dr. Irene Martini, a cellular biologist with many years of research experience, and a member of a number of leading independent advisory boards dealing with issues of stem cells storage and therapies. Dr. Martini has worked on EU and WHO research projects, writes for a number of scientific journals, and is a regular speaker at international stem cell conferences.

Collection Kit

Sorgente+ provides a proprietary collection kit that includes:

• Supplies provided for gravity collection into a blood bag
• Sorgente+ proprietary blood bag
• Sterillium® for hand disinfection
• Type of anti-coagulant used: CPD
• The collection kit is sterile inside & outside for C-Section use

Transportation container

•  Container includes gel packs  for thermal stabilization
•  Container is validated to maintain room temperature under test conditions
•  Container is guaranteed to maintain room temperature for a certain number of hours
•  Container includes a temperature logger
•  Container meets IATA PI 650 criteria and is in accordance with EN ISO 2003 and to 93/42/EEC

Shipping Info

• Shipping arrangements are made by Sorgente+
• Contract price includes shipping
• Standard shipping is by DHL Express (Italy) S.r.l
• The courier is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Employees of Sorgente+ pick up the blood from selected hospitals.
• Shipping is included in the base price within the home country.

Processing Method

Laboratory technicians perform manual cell separation by sedimentation and centrifuge.

Components Stored

The final storage is the separated "buffy coat", a blood component that holds white cells and stem cells. Also 4 testing segments are stored.

Storage Method

• Final storage in cord blood freezing bags packed in metal cassettes
• Freezer uses vapor phase of cryogenic nitrogen

Licensing & Accreditation

PBKM laboratory is accredited by the international standards of AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks)

Clinical Experience

• FamiCord family storage released for transplants: 129
• FamiCord also collects cord blood donations for the public.
• FamiCord participates in clinical trials (under bioethical committee approvals) using stem cells from cord blood and cord tissue.

Additional Services

Sorgente+ offers newborn genetic screening for:

• Drug-induced hearing loss
• Lactose intolerance
• Hemochromatosis
• Deficiency of AAT (Alpha-1 antitrypsin)
• Gluten Intolerance

Other services offered by Sorgente are:

• Assicura terapia: guaranteed repayment of the costs when using cord blood, up to a maximum of 5,000 €.
• Opzione 25 anni: allows the extension of storage duration up to 25 years.
• Conservazione autologa - solidale  (Autologous - supportive  cryopreservation) which allow to the family to donate the cord in case of compatibility.