The successful treatment of many diseases is associated with transplantation of cells, tissues and even whole organs. In recent years, the so-called "stem cells" impose themselves as a most suitable object for transplantation. These are the "spare parts" for the human body. Stem cells are non-differentiated,  divide quickly and are capable to develop into different types of cells and tissues when needed. Besides from embryos stem cells have been isolated from different tissues and organs of the adult organism. In practice the most commonly used types are stem cells derived from blood and bone marrow. 

A relatively new trend in modern medicine is the transplantation of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood. Blood is obtained from the umbilical cord vein after the birth of the baby and the expelling of the placenta. It is a rich source of stem cells that can be frozen and subsequently successfully used. The effect of transplantation of cells derived from umbilical cord blood is proven in over 40 diseases (cancer – lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma; myocardial infarction, stroke, spinal cord injuries, vascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, etc.). The advantage of this type of transplantation is that there is no immune reaction observed. 

Umbilical cord blood banking develops successfully in many countries, including Bulgaria. According to official data currently around 200,000 doses of umbilical cord blood have been frozen and over 7000 transplantations have been carried out worldwide. 

 The procedure for obtaining blood from the umbilical cord is not complicated and is not associated with health risks for the mother and newborn. Usually no more than 100 ml of blood is drawn. All cases are approached from the standpoint of medical ethics, taking into consideration the health and safety of the woman in labour and of the newborn in the first place. Obstetricians do not deviate from the usual practice of assisting childbirth and decide on the possibility of obtaining blood from the umbilical cord, depending on the situation and condition of the mother and newborn. 

 After the blood is obtained, it is analyzed and processed in order to reduce its size and isolate the stem cells, following generally accepted methods in world medicine. Procedures are performed in a sterile environment, using special equipment, media and supplies, according to medical standards. The cells thus obtained are frozen in a programmed freezer and stored in liquid nitrogen (-196ºC). In the process of freezing some of the cells might die. The period of storage does not affect the viability of cells and is practically unlimited. After thawing and processing the cells are used for transplantation or other medical purposes. 

  

Contract for obtaining, processing, cryoconservation and storage of cells derived from umbilical cord blood