- (+41) 0800 610 610
- info@mybabycells.ch
- Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 18:30
Menu
Did you know?
84 pathologies treated with stem cells
A unique opportunity at birthPersonal Consultation
Give us a call. we will advise you and answer all your questions. Without obligation.
What are stem cells?
Numerous natural roles:
The natural role of the stem cells is: - to replace the degenerating cells, ensuring natural cell renewal; - to contribute to the growth of tissues and organs; - to repair damaged tissues, following a trauma, ischaemia or simply during the ageing process.
Two types of stem cells
Haematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells
The umbilical cord stem cells are present in large proportions and have unique biological and immunological characteristics and their collection is carried out using a simple method and is without any risk for the mother or baby.
They are young “adult” cells and are principally two types: haematopoietic when they originate from the blood of the cord and mesenchymal when they originate from the cord tissue.
Adult stem cells are differentiated into two main types: haematopoietic and mesenchymal.
Adult haematopoietic stem cells specialise into blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
Adult mesenchymal cells specialise into a multitude of cells constituting for example muscular, cartilaginous, boney, connective or adipose tissue.
Learn more about
Stem Cells
Clinicians throughout the world evaluate the efficiency of new cellular therapies and more than 5000 clinical studies are underway.
What are stem cells?
Our tissues are largely made up of specialised cells and there are about 200 different types. Some of the most well known include: red blood cells, neurons, adipocytes, fibroblasts or osteocytes. These cells have a shorter lifespan than our lifespan and they must therefore be replaced when they die.
Stem cells are cells which have not yet been differentiated or specialised to perform a permanent and specific function. They have both the capacity to renew and to differentiate themselves into several types of cells depending on the requirements of our body.
Embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells
Stem cells are not all the same – there is a fundamental distinction between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells, present in the embryo of one week, are capable of producing all types of different cells which are found in our bodies (totipotent stem cells). Their use is not ethical as the extraction of an embryonic stem cell leads to the destruction of the embryo itself.
Whereas adult stem cells, present in certain tissues and organs, can give rise to different specific cell types (multipotent or pluripotent stem cells) or give rise to a specific type of cell (unipotent stem cells). Contrary to the use of embryonic stem cells, cells of adult stem cells do not pose any ethical problem as they are not derived from destroyed human embryos.
Haematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells
Adult stem cells are differentiated into two main types: haematopoietic and mesenchymal.
Adult haematopoietic stem cells specialise into blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
Adult mesenchymal cells specialise into a multitude of cells constituting for example muscular, cartilaginous, boney, connective or adipose tissue.
Where are the stem cells found? There are different types of stem cells present in nearly all tissue. Nevertheless, some parts of the human body are particularly interesting sources for medicine.
The three main sources are:
Bone marrow was the first source discovered and it has been used for 60 years. At the end of the eighties, umbilical cord blood proved in its turn to be an extremely rich source of rich haematopoietic stem cells which present very high therapeutic qualities and incomparable accessibility. The collection of umbilical cord stem cells is in fact totally devoid of risk and is carried out in a simple manner. This explains why over the last 30 years this alternative to bone marrow is being used more and more. Furthermore, in comparison with haematopoietic stem cells of bone marrow donors, haematopoietic stem cells of the umbilical cord blood seem to cause less immune rejection or a graft-versus-host disease complication. Therefore, cord blood does not need to be perfectly compatible with the patient, contrary to bone marrow.
Other stem cells which present different properties in addition to those of the umbilical cord have also since been discovered and are starting to be used as for example adipose tissue and Wharton’s jelly enveloping the umbilical cord tissue (mesenchymal stem cells).
Stem cells are cells which have not yet been differentiated or specialised to perform a permanent and specific function. They have both the capacity to renew and to differentiate themselves into several types of cells depending on the requirements of our body.
Embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells
Stem cells are not all the same – there is a fundamental distinction between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells, present in the embryo of one week, are capable of producing all types of different cells which are found in our bodies (totipotent stem cells). Their use is not ethical as the extraction of an embryonic stem cell leads to the destruction of the embryo itself.
Whereas adult stem cells, present in certain tissues and organs, can give rise to different specific cell types (multipotent or pluripotent stem cells) or give rise to a specific type of cell (unipotent stem cells). Contrary to the use of embryonic stem cells, cells of adult stem cells do not pose any ethical problem as they are not derived from destroyed human embryos.
Haematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells
Adult stem cells are differentiated into two main types: haematopoietic and mesenchymal.
Adult haematopoietic stem cells specialise into blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
Adult mesenchymal cells specialise into a multitude of cells constituting for example muscular, cartilaginous, boney, connective or adipose tissue.
Where are the stem cells found? There are different types of stem cells present in nearly all tissue. Nevertheless, some parts of the human body are particularly interesting sources for medicine.
The three main sources are:
- bone marrow,
- umbilical cord,
- adipose tissue.
Bone marrow was the first source discovered and it has been used for 60 years. At the end of the eighties, umbilical cord blood proved in its turn to be an extremely rich source of rich haematopoietic stem cells which present very high therapeutic qualities and incomparable accessibility. The collection of umbilical cord stem cells is in fact totally devoid of risk and is carried out in a simple manner. This explains why over the last 30 years this alternative to bone marrow is being used more and more. Furthermore, in comparison with haematopoietic stem cells of bone marrow donors, haematopoietic stem cells of the umbilical cord blood seem to cause less immune rejection or a graft-versus-host disease complication. Therefore, cord blood does not need to be perfectly compatible with the patient, contrary to bone marrow.
Other stem cells which present different properties in addition to those of the umbilical cord have also since been discovered and are starting to be used as for example adipose tissue and Wharton’s jelly enveloping the umbilical cord tissue (mesenchymal stem cells).
An additional chance of being cured
Clinicians throughout the world evaluate the efficiency of new cellular therapies and more than 5000 clinical studies are underway. As the initial results were particularly encouraging there is every indication that in the long-term:
- the number of diseases which will be treatable using haematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells will increase:
- the cellular therapies will replace or supplement certain treatments applied routinely today;
- cellular therapies will make it possible to treat diseases which are still incurable today.
- Cerebral palsy
- Type 1 diabetes
- Respiratory stress pathologies in premature babies (anaemia),
- Autism
- Cardiological pathologies (hypoplastic left heart syndrome)
- Acquired hearing loss
- Genetic treatment for genetic pathologies
- Lymphoid leukaemia and multiple myeloma
- Anaemia
- Ischemic stroke
- Bone defects and problems in healing fractures
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myocardium regeneration in the case of infarction
- Reconstruction of the damaged spinal cord following trauma
- Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson and Alzheimer’s disease)
- Treatment of skeletal muscle disorders
- Treatment of degenerative diseases of the liver, kidneys, retina, cornea, hearing
- Treatment of metabolic diseases (for example diabetes)
- Boney reconstruction
The process
Let’s plan together!
if you are giving birth in Switzerland, you can have all answers to your questions calling us on 0800 610 610 (free number and without obligation)
Storage in Switzerland
The entire processing and storage of the samples takes place entirely in Switzerland.
Your baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue samples are processed and stored in a specialized facility of our own group exclusively in Switzerland.
The Birth
The umbilical cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells, while the umbilical cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells. Due to the fact that the collection takes place in the minutes after birth, this must therefore be arranged in advance with the medical team. Umbilical cord stem cell collection can also be performed in case of cesarean or twin births. Two collection sets are required for the birth of twins.
In all Swiss birth centers
The collection of your newborn’s umbilical cord blood and tissue can be done in any Swiss hospital/maternity clinic.
Let your gynecologist and maternity ward know about your decision.
All collection instructions are in the kit that will be delivered to your home.
How does the process look like?
Only for births in Switzerland
1
Through the registration form on our online site or by calling 0800 610 610, you will receive the contract to be filled out and sent back to the postal address MyBabyCells – Swiss Stem Cell Science, Via Pizzamiglio 12, CH–6833 Vacallo.
2
If you do not give birth in one of our Group’s stem cell collection centers, the kit will be sent to your address 2 or 3 days after your registration.
3
Give the kit to the personnel in charge of the collection.
The stem cell collection is carried out by the gynaecologist. You can find all the information about the process of collecting stem cells in the kit.
4
Call 091 960 22 20 to announce that the birth has taken place.
A designated courier will come directly to the hospital/clinic to pick up the kit and deliver it to our laboratory, which is the only autologous bank in Switzerland to benefit from Fact-Netcord accreditation.
5
The laboratory, accredited by the health authorities, will carry out the analysis, purification and enumeration of the stem cells before proceeding with the preservation in liquid nitrogen at -196ºC.
Thanks to cryogenic storage, stem cells can be easily thawed when needed.
6
You will receive the cryopreservation certficate directly at your home by post, about three months after the birth of your baby.
Our offers in Switzerland
Protect your child’s future health thanks to stem cell storage
Transparency Policy: All prices include taxes. No additional or hidden costs.
MyBabyCells Basic
We store your baby's cells from umbilical cord blood or umbilical cord tissue for 25 years.
Possibility of payment by instalments without interest
Contact us for more details
CHF 3’400.–
MyBabyCells Complete
We store your baby's cells from umbilical cord blood and cord tissue for 25 years.
Possibility of payment by instalments without interest
Contact us for more details
CHF 3’990.–
MyBabyCells Twins
Baby Basic Twins
Baby Complete Twins
We store your baby's cells from umbilical cord blood and or tissue for 25 years
Possibility of payment by instalments without interest
Contact us for more details
💝50% discount on the second conservation 💝
Additional Services
Additional services for you and your family
DNA storage
Intolerance predisposition test
Protection service
RegMed Network
Get more information
FAQs
We're here to answer all of your questions
For personal advice, you can reach us at
0800 610 610
info@mybabycells.ch
FAQs on Storage and Procedure
Storing your child’s stem cells is very easy, our customer support will help you step by step.
Contact us on 0800 610 610 or send an email to info@mybabycells.ch and you will receive all the information you need about collection and the administrative process.
Samples are taken immediately after birth, when the umbilical cord connecting the mother and child has been cut. The harvesting process is simple, takes a few minutes and is completely painless for both mother and child.
When the process is complete, call 091 960 22 20 to arrange collection. The samples arrive directly at the laboratory, where they are processed and cryopreserved. We will then send you the results of the process and the certification of the preservation of your samples.
After registering, you will receive the collection set that you must take with you when you are admitted to the hospital. Inside the kit you will find the instructions and paperwork needed to store your samples.
Before birth, make sure all documents are filled out and signed and placed in the kit box or already delivered to Nescens Swiss Stem Cell Science. The samples cannot be processed without your consent.
The blood and umbilical cord tissue are collected after the umbilical cord is cut and the child’s umbilical cord is removed. The healthcare worker places the blood and umbilical cord tissue samples, as well as the maternal samples, in the kit.
When the above procedure is complete, contact 091 960 22 20 to arrange collection of your kit. If the birth is on a weekend or holiday, store the kit at room temperature and away from heat, and call to announce the birth and organize collection, which will be the following Monday morning or the first business day immediately following the holiday .
The kit will be picked up by our special courier for the transport of biological material and delivered directly to the laboratory.
Our sampling kit is a thermal box that isolates the sample from outside temperatures. It has its autonomy and keeps the samples in optimal conditions at room temperature until they reach our laboratory. Inside the kit there are one or two (depending on the season) temperature stabilizers that guarantee the samples at the required temperature during transport.
Your samples will be processed as soon as they arrive in the laboratory following the highest quality standards.
The laboratory processes 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year, compliant with the guidelines, guaranteeing the best results to the client.
Your child’s blood and cord blood samples will be processed and stored in a specialised facility based exclusively in Switzerland.
All storage tanks have an individual security system and are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We hope you will never need it, but if it were to be, it will be our care to follow you along this path. If you need the stem cells for a therapeutic treatment, we will release the samples free of charge.
After agreeing the consent documents with you, we will agree with your doctor to arrange the safe delivery of the samples to the transplant centre indicated at the requested date and time.
The collection of blood and / or tissue of the anatomical tract of the umbilical cord does not interfere with the birth stages, nor does it alter the procedures with which the medical staff give birth to the child.
No. Whether you opt for a natural birth, a caesarean section or an induced delivery, there should be no problem collecting your child’s stem cells.
We always advise the medical staff to perform the withdrawal in the first minute after delivery. Any action performed after this time limit may affect the amount of cord blood available.
In any part of the world you live, the preservation of your samples at Nescens Swiss Stem Cell Science (Switzerland) will always be guaranteed.
In the event of a transfer, please remember to inform us of your new address and contact information so that we can keep your data up-to-date.
Your child’s stem cells can be used by anyone with a histocompatibility of at least 80%, such as a brother or sister. Stem cells of a relative (preferably brother/sister) are generally the first transplant option when considering the source of stem cells. In most allogeneic transplants (recipient other than donor) stem cells from a family member are used.
It is very likely that your samples are perfectly guaranteed and usable for a much longer period than this. Swiss Stem Cell Science believes it is more ethical to initially offer a 25-year retention period, but of course when the contract comes to an end, the legitimate owner of the cells (who has reached age) will be contacted and receive a contract extension offer. Otherwise the cells will be destroyed or donated to research, with the owner’s consent.
In Switzerland,. there are several hospitals where you can choose to donate umbilical cord blood stem cells to the public banks system.
The umbilical cord blood stem cells could be used to treat someone else around the world. However, you will no longer have direct access to this precious sample. For more information, please contact the Swiss Italian Blood Transfusion Center (CRS).
FAQs about STEM CELLS
Stem cells are not yet specialised, primitive cells, with the extraordinary ability to self-renew and differentiate into a multitude of cells. They create a direct link between the health of the child when it is born and the future.
If the child were to have any age-old health problem, stem cells can be the key to restoring their health.
Cord blood stem cells are already used in the treatment of over 80 diseases including leukaemia, anaemia and thalassaemia, with a constantly growing list. Those of the cordon tissue instead contribute to the growth, regeneration and repair of damaged tissues.
Since 1988, more than 40,000 cord blood samples have been used for clinical applications worldwide.
It is advisable to conserve stem cells for each child individually in order to ensure that you have a sample available with 100% compatibility for each of your children.
It is scientifically proven that there is a 25% probability of compatibility between brothers and sisters.
A cord blood sample should be between 20 and 60 ml, although this may differ greatly due to the size of the umbilical cord itself and the birth circumstances.
The sample must contain a minimum number of stem cells CD34+ to allow us to consider it suitable for a possible future therapeutic treatment. If your cord blood sample does not meet this requirement, you will have the option to refuse storage.
After the process and the preservation of the samples, you will receive a written confirmation together with the certificate of conservation which contains the univocal code of the samples, the stem cell count (CD34+), the results of the maternal blood tests and the results of the microbiological tests.
Currently, cord blood stem cells can be used to treat a wide range of diseases (more than 80), including:
- Red blood cell proliferation disorders (Anaemia, platelet disorders and others)
- Hereditary disorders of the immune system (severe combined immunodeficiency, neutropenia and others)
- Cancer (leukaemia, bone marrow cancer and more)
- Hereditary metabolic disorders (mucopolysaccharidosis accumulation diseases, leukodystrophy disorders, etc.)
Hereditary disorders affecting the immune system and other organs (hair hypoplasia, Gunther’s disease)
The laboratory has a time limit of 68 hours for the samples to arrive in the laboratory. Samples must be subjected to the separation procedure within 72 hours of birth.
After choosing the desired service, you can order and receive the collection kit through two options: payment by instalments or payment in a single payment. In the event that the procedure does not have a positive outcome, a refund is always guaranteed, depending on when the service is interrupted. Contact us for more information.
Yes. In case of storing the cells of your second child, or if you have a multiple birth (twins). Also recommending or contracting together with friends or as a group there are many specials. Contact us on 0800 610 610 for more information.
In the (highly unlikely) case where the bank where the samples are stored becomes insolvent, Swiss Stem Cell Science will transfer the samples to another equally accredited facility that will comply with the terms of the original agreement. As a member of a strong prestigous group specialized in stem cells, the samples are safe and will always remain in Switzerland.
There are alternatives to the preservation of cord blood, such as the removal of stem cells from bone marrow and peripheral blood. However, stem cord cells have numerous advantages: they are the youngest and most effective cells found in the human body, and are relatively free of environmental and electromagnetic contamination. Furthermore, the procedure for their collection is non-invasive and immediately available.
If the child had a genetic disease, such as sickle cell anaemia, the stem cells would have the same genetic defect. In the case that the autologous stem cells (from the person themself) could not be used, the cord blood of a brother / sister would be the best option.
It is estimated that around 600 samples were released from private cord blood banks for autologous and allogeneic transplants of a sibling or family member.
You didn´t find your question?
Ask us and we will include it in the FAQ´s
Your data will not be shared with third parties.
See our privacy policy.
- Phone: + 41 800 610 610
- WhatsApp Business: +41 78 761 21 03
- Email: info@mybabycells.ch
MONDAY-FRIDAY 08:30 – 17:30
A Product of
