Why Progenics

Our laboratory is dedicated to the processing and cryopreservation of human umbilical cord blood and cord tissue stem cells.

We use the unique, modified double stem cell extraction processing technique developed by Progenics’ Research & Development Team.

Our protocols are designed with safeguards against possible human error, equipment malfunction and power failures.

We are committed to processing cord blood and cord tissue units within the first 24 hours from collection.

A certificate of cryopreservation that includes improtant quality indicators will be issued to the parents.

Consistent High Quality

Get the Most out of Your Cord Blood

The quantity and viability of stem cells extracted from cord blood units are critical parameters for a successful transplantation. Progenics consistently yields a high average of 98% of Total Nucleated Cells (TNCs) from all cord blood units processed between the years of 2014-2018 (Graph on the left).

Click here from more details from our annual quality report.

What is Yield of TNC?

The percentage yield of TNC indicates the processing quality for each sample and the yield of the number of TNC per milliliter represents the processing quality of a cord blood bank. Therefore, the accuracy of percentage yield must be supported by the yield per milliliter. At Progenics, the average yield (%) and the yield per milliliter on all cord blood units that are banked at our facility. This distinguishes Progenics’ results from claims made by most other cord blood banks. In addition, our quality has been published in a peer-reviewed journal (Yang H et al, Transfusion (2011) 51;284-292).

This formula can be applied to indicate processing quality regardless of processing methods! Simply put, higher yield equals higher quality. However, it should also be supported by the yield of cells per milliliter from processing.

Higher Viability of Stem Cells

It has been supported that a shorter time between collection and processing is a critical factor that affects banking quality (Pope B., et al Transfusion 2012), this ensures that cells processed will have a higher viability. At Progenics, the average time from cord blood collection to processing is 17 hours.

Certificate of Cryopreservation

A Certificate of cryopreservation that includes important quality indicators will be issued to the parents.

The Certificate of Cryopreservation contains the date that the cord blood was successfully processed and cryopreserved, processing results including the cord blood volume that was collected, the yield of TNC (%), and the number of total nucleated cells (TNC) banked for transplantation.

Double Stem Cell Extraction

Progenics uses the unique, modified double stem cell extraction processing technique developed by Progenics’ Research & Development Team (Yang H et al., Transfusion (2011) 51;284-292 and Yang H et al., Transfusion (2015) 55:70-78).

Cryopreservation

Progenics’ Research & Development Team works diligently at improving and perfecting the process of cryopreservation of cord blood. The cryopreservation process begins by slowly lowering the temperature of the sample using a controlled-rate freezer. Once the sample’s temperature has reached an optimal level, it is then stored in a liquid nitrogen freezer, to maintain the viability of the cells. To prevent cross-contamination in storage, your cord blood is stored in a two-compartment Pall Freezing bag that is over-wrapped.

We use Pall cord blood collection bags which have completed an extensive sterilization process (internally and externally). It is made safe and convenient cord blood collection for vaginal births and cesarean sections. The bag is FDA NDA approved and CE marked under the Medical Devices Directive for the collection of cord blood.

At Progenics, we use Pall freezing bags which have two compartments. The cord blood stem cells can either be used for up to two transplants, or one compartment can be used for expansion, and the other for a direct transplant.

Secure Long-Term Storage

Our fire-resistant storage facility is equipped with backup generators, in the event of a power failure. In addition, the storage facility and the temperature inside the freezers are monitored 24 hours daily by security, video surveillance and environmental monitoring and alarm systems. In case of emergencies, backup liquid nitrogen freezers are available at our storage facility which can be used immediately to transfer the contents of a dysfunctional freezer.

Validated Quality Assurance

Quality assessment has been validated in previous studies carried out by Progenics’ Research and Development Team.

For details see:

Yang H, Loutfy MR, Mayerhofer S, Shuen P. Factors affecting banking quality of umbilical cord blood for transplantation. Transfusion (2011) 51:284-292.

Yang H, Pidgorna A, Loutfy MR, Shuen P. Effects of interruptions of controlled-rate freezing on the viability of umbilical cord blood stem cells. Transfusion (2015) 55:70-78.