Implementation of a novel hybrid cord blood banking model within a private-public-partnership

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells can be collected at birth, cryopreserved, and used for transplantation in hematopoietic diseases. Typically, these stem cells are stored in public banks for allogeneic use or in private depositories for potential future utilization by the family. A proposed third option, hybrid cord blood banking, combines elements of both public and private storage. This method allows family-directed UCB to be HLA typed and included in the international registry, making it accessible to compatible patients globally.

We describe the implementation of a novel hybrid cord blood banking model within a private-public partnership involving a university obstetric department, a national stem cell registry, and a private cord blood bank.

From 2020 to 2023, 67 UCB units were collected for hybrid banking. Of these, 25 samples (37.3%) met the threshold of 120 grams for public banking. Before processing, 5 samples (7.5%) contained over 1.5 E9 total nucleated cells (TNC); after processing, 15 samples (22.46%) exceeded 1.0 E9 TNC. The viability margin of 85% was surpassed in 42 samples (62.7%). Cytofluorimetric analysis showed 36 samples (53.7%) had over 1.25 E6 CD34+ cells, with 63 samples (94.0%) exceeding 85% viability. For HLA typing and registry entry, 10 samples (14.9%) qualified for hybrid purposes, with one sample deemed unsuitable for processing.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of the hybrid cord blood banking model within a private-public partnership. This new concept offers an extended option for parents to bank their child's cord blood stem cells.