Frequently Asked Questions

Adult Stem Cell Banking AssureImmune provides a list of top questions, answers and information on stem cell research, stem cell disease prevention, and the process for harvesting and preserving your own cells for use in regenerative therapy.

What are Stem Cells?

A Stem Cell is a cell that has the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give rise to specialized cells. According to the National Academies of Sciences, every cell in the human body can be traced back to a fertilized egg that came into existence from the union of an egg and sperm. There are over 200 different types of cells in the body that come from an early embryo. During early development, as well as later in life, various types of stem cells give rise to differentiated cells that carry out the specific functions of the body, such as skin, blood, muscle, and nerve cells. In adults, stem cells continue to be produced throughout life and serve as the body's sentinels to seek out disease and damage at which time they multiply aggressively and differentiate into the tissue type in which they reside to effect repairs and regenerate tissues and organs. This property makes stem cells appealing for scientists researching stem cell disease prevention.

What is the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells?

There are two major categories of stem cells being considered for research and therapeutic purposes. They are Embryonic Stem Cells and Adult Stem Cells (ASC). Embryonic Stem Cells are cells derived from embryos that develop from in vitro fertilized eggs and are then donated for research purposes with informed consent of the donors. The Embryonic Stem Cells are harvested in the very early stages of development, typically when the embryo is four or five days old and is a hollow microscopic ball of identical stem cells called the blastocyst. After the birth of an infant, the stem cells are considered "Adult". Adult stem cells continue to be produced in bone marrow and circulate naturally throughout our blood stream, tissues and organs. Regardless of the age of the person, you can obtain adult stem cell peripheral blood. The difference between children and adults is in the number of adult stem cells that are produced; the younger the person, the more stem cells there are circulating.

What is Umbilical Cord Blood?

Umbilical cord blood is another source of adult stem cells. It is collected from the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born and is rich in adult stem cells. Like bone marrow, umbilical cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells which can be used in disease prevention therapies.

What is Adult Stem Cell Banking?

Adult Stem Cell Banking is a service that provides for the collection and preservation of a person's adult stem cells. The cells can be harvested from an individual's peripheral blood and by umbilical cord blood collection after the birth of a baby. They are "Banked" by being stored in liquid nitrogen where it has been proven they can be safely stored for over 20 years. Cells can be reconstituted and used clinically by careful thawing.

What are the types of adult stem cells?

There are two types of adult stem cells that are key to the reconstitution of the blood and immune system and the regeneration of organs and tissues. They are the Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal adult stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are well known for their ability to reconstitute the entire blood system by producing red and white blood cells, dendritic cells, platelets, etc. These cells are the active agents in a bone marrow transplant - a method of adult stem cell therapy that has been used for over 25 years. Another well-characterized population of adult stem cells is the Mesenchymal (Stromal) stem cell which is a mix of cell population that generates bone, cartilage, fat, and fibrous connective tissue. Both are critically important as they are being used in some of today's most advanced stem cell therapy research.

What type of Accreditations or Licenses does AssureImmune have?

AssureImmune strives to be fully accredited by some of the most renowned and widely respected industry organizations and certification programs. The following is a list of associations and accreditation program guidelines that AssureImmune is currently following - AABB, formerly as the American Association of Blood Banks, and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).

How much does it cost?

AssureImmune offers several pricing incentives for multiple stem cell banking deposits as well as a gift registry. For more information about our pricing options, please contact AssureImmune at 888-3immune (888-346-6863) or visit our website at www.assureimmune.com.

How long can I store my Adult Stem Cells?

Current studies show that AssureImmune's sophisticated cryopreservation equipment, The BioArchive® System , can safely store a patient's adult stem cells for twenty years or more. The cells thawed after 20 years storage have proven highly viable and effective clinically. This state-of-the-art piece of equipment is a computer-controlled, robotic liquid nitrogen cryopreservation and storage system that enables the freezing and managing of up to 3,623 blood component samples. It is the preferred technology utilized by more than 60 cord blood stem cell banks in more than 20 countries worldwide for use in stem cell research and disease prevention.

How can stem cells help me or my family?

TThere are over 70 diseases that have been treated with adult stem cells including tissue and blood cancer, sickle cell and aplastic anemias, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, arthritis, etc. The most recognizable treatment for many of these diseases is a bone marrow transplant. Adult stem cells are the active ingredient in a bone marrow transplant. The same cells can be more easily and safely obtained now from peripheral and cord blood. You or a family member may have a need to battle a debilitating disease and may need your own adult stem cells to do so. Depending on your body weight, family medical history and the type of treatment you need, your adult stem cell needs will vary. Storing your and your family's adult stem cells today can make a significant difference in your life tomorrow.

Is it ever too late to store cells?

Success with regenerative stem cell therapies and disease treatments are based on the use of healthy stem cells. As our bodies age, so do our cells. It is the aging process that limits the regenerative ability of the stem cells, so early collection of stem cells is key. Being proactive and collecting your adult stem cells today can be the difference in saving a life tomorrow. AssureImmune recommends that you protect your health tomorrow by saving your healthy stem cells today.

What If I need my stem cells? How do I know if what I receive is truly mine?

This is a valid concern and an area that AssureImmune takes great care in controlling. As a premier service, AssureImmune performs DNA genetic testing on every adult stem cell sample. Should you require your stored stem cells, we will perform this highly precise and accurate genetic test that insures that the sample sent is yours – except for identical twins no two people have the same DNA.

If some tragedy or accident should occur at AssureImmune’s storage facility what happens to my stem cell sample?

AssureImmune has invested in the capability for redundant storage. We split your sample during processing and store half in one The BioArchive® in our Boca Raton facility and half in another The BioArchive® in a secure, remote location. We do this to ensure that you will have your cells available in the event that one BioArchive is compromised due to a tragedy or accident

What happens if there is an equipment failure?

AssureImmune has invested substantially in state-of-the-art equipment which was designed by Thermogenesis and supported by GE Healthcare with the oversight of the FDA over a six year period. Our highly sophisticated and automated equipment is based on a dual system which includes a processing and storage system for adult stem cells and eliminates every possible potential for human error. Additionally, this equipment is supported by 24/7 monitoring, two backup generator systems and the global service expertise of GE Healthcare.