Landmark sample for stem cell storage centre
BioVault, a Plymouth, UK-based stem cell processing and storage centre, has banked a landmark 5,000th stem cell sample.
The cell was deposited by Smart Cells International, a company that collects and arranges storage for stem cells on behalf of families all over the world. It undertakes most of its storage in Plymouth, where BioVault prepares the samples for freezing in a cryogenic pouch using a sterile, closed bag system, before storing them in a hermetically sealed storage pouch which is placed in a protective aluminium cassette that can be stored for up to 25 years if kept below minus 180C.
Having been logged into BioVault’s inventory management system, the cells are secured, continually monitored and alarm protected. BioVault is MHRA registered and operates under an ISO9001: 2000 management system.
"We have worked with BioVault for some time, and we find their technology, professionalism and security levels ranks amongst the world's best," said Shamshad Ahmed, managing director of Smart Cells International. "Stem cells are described as being miraculous, but in truth they're pure science - they've always been around, we just did not know about them, or how to collect, store or use them until relatively recently.”