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The Only AABB Accredited Private Cord Blood Bank in Singapore & Southeast Asia
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CordLife’s cord blood banking services have been established to adhere to with the highest international quality standards. While many banks in the industry claim compliance to international standards, we believe in going the extra mile to obtain accreditation and licenses to give our clients the added assurance of quality and reliability. This translates to more stringent controls, external assessments and consequently, added costs in maintaining a quality system behind our service that few banks choose to assume.
Your baby’s cord blood will be processed and stored in CordLife’s AABB-accredited (American Association of Blood Banks) state-of-the-art laboratory and processing facility in Singapore for the specialized processing of haematopoietic stem cells. Our facility is also licensed by Ministry of Health, Singapore. AABB is one of the world’s most recognized standards for cord blood banking. It is an international non-profit body dedicated to developing the highest standards in cord blood banking. Should the cord blood sample be needed in the future, international transplanting physicians would know that cord blood processed in an AABB accredited facility is handled in a way that maximizes the chances of a successful transplant. AABB audits our facility every two years. This is evidence to you that your sample is screened, processed, and stored following the strictest quality assurance programme.
Going through an AABB accreditation process is voluntary. It is costly and time intensive to maintain the level of quality assurance required to produce samples that are consistently viable and useful for a transplant. The cord blood bank must have all aspects of its operations assessed and validated by AABB assessors. Accreditation is awarded only when the cord blood bank meets or exceeds these standards. CordLife believes in undergoing the AABB assessment, which provides third-party validation and demonstrates our commitment to quality.
CordLife is today the first and only AABB accredited cord blood bank in Singapore and Southeast Asia. |
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Collection - Using Blood bag |
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The blood bag is our preferred and only method of cord blood collection, as this method has been proven to provide a simple and straightforward system, while drastically reducing the chance of contamination as compared to other collection methods. |
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This method is also preferred because a chemical based anti-coagulant is used in blood bags as opposed to animal based anti-coagulant used in the syringe and needle method. The animal based coagulant will give rise to HLA typing issues2 later when the stem cells are needed for transplant.
2Armitage S; “Cord Blood Characteristics”, Cohan, S B A et al, Martin Dunitz Ltd, 2000. |
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| Processing - Using Triple Bag System |
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CordLife is the only private cord blood bank in
Singapore that processes cord blood using a closed, connected triple bag system. This system allows cord blood to be processed without the need to expose the blood to the surrounding processing environment, which minimises the risk of contamination greatly. This method also ensures that cell viability is maximized since a closed system helps to prevent the loss of cells.
As the sample need not be transferred from one container to another, the chance of a dangerous mix up in samples is totally eliminated. |
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Processing using the triple bag system is the only method approved by AABB. All other banks that wants to stay accredited must switch from storing in tubes to bags by 1 Jan .
Our cryogenic storage pouch is compartmentalised in a 20/80 portion and also has an integrated tubing attached to it. The segments facilitate stem cell expansion programmes in future. This means that when the stem cell expansion technology is commercially viable, you can withdraw 20% or 80% of the stem cells while continuing to store the balance for later use. Currently, the stem cell expansion technology is not commercially available. If a transplant is required now, the transplant physicians will use the entire sample available to maximize the survival rates of patients
.The segments also provide the safety and assurance that additional product testing is performed on the associated unit thereby eliminating testing and cord blood unit mix ups. This is to allow for additional testing of the sample should it be required in the future, or for viability testing prior to a transplant. This storage pouch is made of a special material designed specifically to withstand cryogenic temperatures.
The triple bag system, though is more expensive than its alternative, is CordLife’s preferred choice. We firmly believe in using the best system available to give our parents the added assurance. It is a worthwhile investment to ensure that the cord blood is effectively stored for future medicinal use. |
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Storage In Cryobag
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CordLife uses an individual, hermatically-sealed special silicon-based pouch to store the
sample. This pouch is proven to withstand cryogenic temperatures and is currently used by some of the most respected cord blood banks in the world. This method of storage also ensures a fully closed path for infusion. |
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While contamination does happen with cord blood samples, CordLife takes great care to ensure the lowest possible contamination.
CordLife historical contamination rate over past 6 years
| Contamination During Collection |
< 1% |
| Contamination During Process |
0% |
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We test the maternal blood sample and cord blood sample prior to storage
to ensure the stem cells you store can be used in a transplant situation in
the future.
| Maternal Blood |
Cord Blood |
| Hepatitis B Surface Antigen |
Fungal Test |
| Hepatitis B Surface Antibody |
Bacterial Test |
| Hepatitis B Core Antibody |
CD34+ |
| Hepatitis C Virus Antibody |
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| HIV 1 & 2 |
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| Cytomegalovirus |
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| Syphilis |
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| HTLV |
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| Ambiguous Blood Grouping |
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Cord blood banking is a long term and important investment in your family’s health. Therefore while it is crucial that your child’s stem cells are processed and stored with the best methods possible, you also need a cord blood bank that would be with you for years to come.
At CordLife, we are with you for the long haul. Here are just some reasons why you can depend on us:
- CordLife Singapore is accredited by AABB, the international body that recognizes the highest standards in blood banks. This is a voluntary program undertaken by CordLife in our continuous commitment to quality, and our long term promise to our customers that they will always continue to receive the best possible service in cord blood banking. Cord blood handled by an AABB accredited bank is preferred by transplant physicians around the world.
- CordLife is listed on Australian Stock Exchange, dedicated to offering the highest quality cellular therapy solutions, via the largest network of cord blood banking facilities in Asia and Australia. We are today the most widely established network of cord blood banking facilities in the region.
- CordLife’s enrollment growth has increased significantly since our inception in 2001. We are also expanding rapidly throughout the region. Besides our laboratories in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia and soon in India, we have representative offices in different countries in the region. Future expansion plans are also in the pipeline.
Coupled with our emphasis on quality and integrity of our processes, CordLife is both financially and professionally well-placed to stay with you, for life. |
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Adhering strictly to the AABB* guidelines for cord blood services, we test the maternal blood sample for HIV-1/2, Hepatitis, Cytomegalovirus and a host of other infectious diseases (Syphilis and HTLV-I/II). We also test the cord blood for bacteria and fungi prior to storage. This is absolutely necessary as transplantation of a sample contaminated with bacteria or fungi could be fatal for the recipient. The stringent testing that we carry out ensures that you are storing a sample that can be used in a transplant situation.
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After you have banked with CordLife, you may terminate your service agreement with us at any point in time with no penalty charge imposed. This applies even if you wish to store the umbilical cord blood stem cells with another bank. Simply write in to us 30 days prior to your actual termination date and we will take care of the rest. The transportation of the umbilical cord blood stem cells to other banks within Singapore is free. There will be a courier charge incurred for transfers to banks overseas. |
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CordLife works with major credit card companies to offer you interest-free installment plans over 6, 9 or 12 months. You can also choose to pay for your baby's cord blood banking service using the savings in your Children Development Account under the Baby Bonus scheme.
Click here for more frequently asked questions on Baby Bonus. |
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Our professional and friendly representatives have helped thousands of families understand better about cord blood banking. If you are keen to know more about cord blood banking with CordLife, simply give us a call at 6238 0808 or 6238 1828. We will assign you with a dedicated client relations executive who will arrange for a house visit, laboratory visit or a meeting at a place of your convenience. She will:
- Answer your questions about cord blood services.
- Explain in detail the process of collection and preservation.
- Demonstrate the collection kit.
- Explain the science in detail.
- Explain the current and potential future medical applications for your stored stem cells.
- Assist you in completing the necessary paperwork that is required.
- Maintain contact before and after the birth of your child.
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When |
Where |
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1 Sep 2007, Sat, 10am |
Camden Medical Ctr |
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6 Oct 2007, Sat, 10am |
Camden Medical Ctr |
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3 Nov 2007, Sat, 10am |
Camden Medical Ctr |
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1 Dec 2007, Sat, 10am |
Camden Medical Ctr |
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Too busy with work? Understand aboutcord blood banking at the convenience of your home.Call us at
6238 0808 to arrange for a house visit. |
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