New England Cord Blood Bank Installs Automated Cord Blood Processing Line

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 16 Jul 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc. (NECBB), a global cord blood processing and storage facility, announced today that it will be implementing an automated blood processing system at the company's Newton facility. The AutoXpress™ System (AXP), developed by ThermoGenesis Corp. and distributed by GE Healthcare, is a state-of-the-art, fully closed and sterile system that will provide automated cell separation and processing for cord blood samples, ensuring quality and consistency in cord blood processing while maximizing the yield of valuable stem cells from the cord blood.

"Families entrust us with a precious gift for safekeeping," said John Rizza, President of the New England Cryogenics Center, Inc., the parent company of NECBB. "We are pleased to be able to offer our clients the added level of confidence and security that this advanced technology provides."

AXP is fast, precise, and - according to data provided by New York Blood Center - can harvest greater than 97% of the mononucleated cell (MNC) population, which is rich in stem cells, without the use of additives. By automating the process, AXP minimizes the risk of contamination and ensures predictable and reliable results. Further, the system captures essential data for quality assurance and compliance with current good tissue practices.

NECBB will begin processing samples with AXP in August. In addition to the automation, NECBB will continue to operate their manual system, which will allow for processing of samples too small for the automated system. NECBB currently accepts and processes private cord blood samples from parents looking to preserve stem cells from their newborn's cord blood, which are then available for the family to use at any time.

Implementation of the automated system also brings NECBB one step closer to accreditation as a public cord blood bank.

"We are excited at the possibilities afforded us by installing the AXP system," added Rizza. "It is our goal to ensure that we provide families with all possible options, and with the information they need to make the choice that fits best for them."

Cord blood banking, both simple and secure, is a life-giving opportunity that happens at the time of birth. It offers a powerful medical resource in fighting both chronic and acute diseases that may develop within the child or a family member. Currently, cord blood is used to treat over 80 diseases including sickle cell anemia, leukemia and various cancers.

Source
New England Cord Blood Bank

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