Why Healthcord - Superior Processing Methods

Closed-System Processing

Closed-system processing involves the use of specialized instruments, such as the RF heat sealer and sterile tubing welder. These instruments, along with use of integrated transfer/freezing bags, increase the safety of banked products by reducing the risk of sample infection.

Pentaspan

Healthcord is one of few facilities in the world that refrains from using hetastarch as a stem cell extraction reagent. Healthcord exclusively uses Pentaspan (pentastarch) instead of hetastarch as it is cleared from the bloodstream faster and is therefore safer for the transplant recipient.

Double-Extraction

In the processing of umbilical cord blood, many stem cells can become inadvertently lost in the processing step. At Healthcord, a 'double-collection' procedure to utilized to maximize cell recovery due to our closed-system method of processing. Since cell dose is one of the most important factors in treatment, it is important that as many cells are recovered as possible.

Computer-Operated Controlled-Rate Freezing

One of the most important aspects of cryopreservation is proper cooling. As can be seen from frostbite, uncontrolled freezing can cause tissue death. Computer Controlled Addition of Cryopreservant results in vitrification as opposed to freezing. Vitrification causes biological processes in a cell to slow down to essentially zero, 'freezing' the cell in time; however, freezing causes irrecoverable cell damage to tissues.

ISHAGE Single-Platform Enumeration

Healthcord performs enumeration of CD34+ cells using the most accurate and advanced method. By using a single platform method, Healthcord is able to get a more standardized and accurate measure of the total number of the critical stem cells.

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