Faq's

What is a Stem Cell? - A stem cell is defined as a cell that can self renew and grow robustly and that can differentiate into other cells types. A stem cell can be thought of as a mother cell that can produce other daughter cells.

What is a stem cell transplant? - A stem cell transplant is when stem cells from either bone marrow or cord blood are transfused intravenously into a patient to reconstitute his immune system. This procedure takes place after the patient receives chemotherapy or radiation to treat a disease or cancer. The chemotherapy destroys both the cancer cells as well as the good cells of the bone marrow and immune system. The stem cell transplant rebuilds the blood cells and the immune system.

What is Wharton's Jelly? - Wharton's Jelly is the primitive connective tissue of the umbilical cord. First named by Thomas Wharton in 1656 this gelatinous substance's function is to provide support for the vein and arteries of the umbilical cord. During early development of the embryo, perhaps as early as day 3.5 - 7.5E, primitive multi-potent stem cells also known as umbilical cord matrix cells (UCM) migrate from the aortic-gonadotropin-mesonephric region in the hind gut of the developing embryo, forming the fetal liver through the allantois/umbilical cord. These primitive mesenchymal-like cells therefore are trapped at very early embryological age and retain the properties of primitive stem cells.