Cord blood stem cells – the background.

Stem cells are the building blocks of life and have the capability of treating a wide range of diseases today, and in the future. Research into the application of therapeutic stem cell technology is one of the most active areas of medical research today.

Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of different types of stem cells. In anticipation of the future development of treatments, particularly in the area of regenerative medicine, increasing numbers of parents around the world are choosing to store their children's stem cells.

Uniquely, Virgin Health Bank QSTP offers a dual storage option: keeping part of the child's cells for his or her use in anticipation of therapeutic advancements, and releasing the rest, with parental permission, for use in the wider patient community.

Virgin Health Bank has established a new set of standards within the cord blood banking industry; has been recognised by professional bodies in the UK as complying fully with regulatory requirements; and is driving ethical standards that are in line
with scientific evidence.