Directions for parents

Contact us to receive information from our specially trained staff and answers to all your questions.

When you finally decide to store the stem cells of your child, you will receive the collection kit including: 1. The special cord blood collection bag certified by the European Union – marked CE IVD. 2. A sterile collection container for the umbilical cord tissue 3. One sterile vial to collect peripheral blood from the mother for the immunological tests. 4. The contract with all terms for the storage 5. A form with parents details and contact info 6. A medical questionnaire for the parents

The day of your delivery you will hand the collection kit to your obstetrician. After delivery, cord blood and a part of the umbilical cord tissue will be collected. The whole process is simple, painless and takes only a few minutes.

Once the blood and tissue collection is complete, the blood bag, container, vials and all completed forms will be placed in the collection kit. Then, immediately contact Omnigen to the phone numbers given to you and our representative will collect the kit from the hospital and will transport it safely under controlled temperature, in our laboratories.

Isolation of cord blood stem cells is taking place in specially designed sterile laboratories with positive pressure (Clean Rooms), certified to meet the most strict European standards. In fact these Clean Rooms meet the 100% of the strictest requirements applicable even for bone marrow transplantation.

All samples arriving in out labs are tested with special automatic devices for bacterial infections. The virological control of the maternal blood or the umbilical cord blood is performed using the PCR method (Polymerase Chain Reaction), the only method that can detect the genetic material of the virus even in minor quantities in the blood serum (Eppendorf Mastercycler ep Gradient S ). We test for bacterial or fungal infections in a sample using specific automated blood culture system (Becton Dickinson Bactec 9050).

The stem cells will be isolated, analyzed in a special device so as to measure the total number of nucleated cells (Coulter Beckman). Using flow cytometry (BD FACS Calibur) we can determine the total number and viability (%) of hematopoietic stem cells (CD34 +).

To prepare the isolated stem cells for the long term cryopreservation, we place them in high-tech gradual cooling devices (Controlled Rate Freezer – Cryomed Freezer). Using a computer and special software, we reduce the temperature gradually and with absolute accuracy so that the viability of the cells is never at risk. In this manner, cells arrive gradually at very low temperature, and then we place them in special storage tanks containing liquid nitrogen to a temperature of not higher than- 150 ° C (±) .

Our state-of the-art cryopreservation tanks are the most modern existing today. Cryopreservation tanks and storage rooms are monitored with special electronic systems 24/7, so as to control and continuously record the temperature of the stored samples, but also with CCTV to ensure maximum safety. The cameras constantly record every movement in the company premises.

Moreover, we can guarantee the uninterrupted operation of all devices, even after prolonged power failure, by using a sophisticated external generator installed in our facilities. Essentially Omnigen can currently produce all the power needed for its operation without depending on any power company.

Omnigen is one of the few companies in Greece with this infrastructure.

Furthermore, the scientific staff of our company can ensure fast isolation and storage of your baby’s stem cells 365 days per year. It is known that maximal viability of stem cells is best achieved within first 48 hours.

After completion of the laboratory process, we issue a Certificate of Storage with a unique traceability code (barcode), including the methods and protocols used, as well as the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the sample.