Shanghai's first stem cell bank opened recently, spurred by
growing interest in the potential life saving benefits for children
of donors.
Blood stem cells are harvested from the umbilical cord, which is
a plentiful source. Stem cells can serve as a continuous source of
new cells to be used to treat many diseases.
The "life bank" is run by the Shanghai Red Cross Society, the
Shanghai Blood Center and the Shanghai Stem Cells Technology Co
Ltd.
Donors can store umbilical cord blood for potential future use.
Their children, in turn, may be able to use the stored stem cells
to fight cancers, immune deficiencies and genetic disorders.
According to sources, the store will also do research and
development work on stem cells.
To help residents learn more about stem cells and how to store
umbilical cord blood, the "life bank" has also set up a
hotline.
"The line is quite busy and we get many queries everyday. People
ask various questions about the blood reserve," said Lu Qiong, a
consultant of the "life bank".
Storing the blood comes at a cost. Donors have to pay 5,800 yuan
(US$698.80) for the first year of storage and an annual charge of
600 yuan (US$72.00) for the following years' storage.
Normally, the blood can be stored for 15 to 20 years, Lu
said.
Blood stem cells harvested from the umbilical cord can be used
to treat diseases on the bone marrow with significantly less
rejection.
When blood is collected from the umbilical cord and stored, the
stem cells are immediately available for transplant, experts
say.
(China Daily February 16, 2004)