Cord blood stem cells: how to get them and what to do with them

This article reviews the means of obtaining cells from the available reservoirs of cord blood, intended as sources of immature hematopoietic stem cells that ultimately could be useful for transplantation, gene therapy, and research. Various issues must be considered when collecting umbilical cord blood regardless of the method employed. One must regard the basic fetal-placental physiology and hemodynamic characteristics prior to and at the time of procurement. Additional concerns exist with the mother, not only at the time of collection but also prenatally, including informed consent, health history, and psychosocial issues. Collection methods may be characterized as either ex utero or in utero, employing either open or closed collections methods. Each of these variables presents limitations and offers specific advantages over the others. Once collected, the cells must be appropriately tested, processed, and prepared for cryopreservation if not used immediately, using good manufacturing practices and acceptable standards of operation. An ideal collection method has yet to be defined that fulfills the need for reliability, reproducibility, and ease of use.