Cord Blood Bank Biosurance
Our family stem cell bank allows us to store your baby's cord blood and umbilical cord (Peristem) at birth.
Why keep the cord blood?

Your baby's umbilical cord blood contains very valuable stem cells that can be used to treat more than 80 diseases, including leukemia, thalassemia, lymphoma and many others.

Since the first successful cord blood stem cell transplant in 1988, approximately 42,000 transplants have been performed (according to Parent's Guide to Cord Blood Foundation 2015).

 

Cord blood treatment is partially reimbursed by most insurance companies

Why keep the umbilical cord (Peristem)?

Studies have shown that the tissues surrounding the blood vessels of the umbilical cord are rich in mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be used to regenerate the structural tissues of the human body, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, fibrous and fatty tissue.

Currently, in Canada, umbilical cord stem cells are used for research purposes only.

It is possible to have access to the biosurance service throughout Quebec for deliveries in hospitals, birthing centres or at home.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are at the origin of all the cells of the human body. They have two main properties:

  1. The ability to multiply by cell division
  2. The ability to transform into a new type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell or a brain cell. Thus, stem cells have the potential to repair tissues that have been damaged or destroyed by disease.
In which types of studies can stem cells be used?

Many promising research projects are currently underway for the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine and for the treatment of several diseases, including:

  • Type 1 and 2 diabetes
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Bone repair
  • Organ transplantation
  • Autism
  • Heart disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Crohn's disease
Can your baby's stem cells be used for another member of your family?

The stem cells obtained at the time of delivery are 100% compatible with your child. Depending on the compatibility, these stem cells could be used for another family member, such as a sister or brother.

Childbirth, a unique opportunity

Childbirth is the only time when cord blood can be collected. This is because umbilical cord blood is an extremely rich source of stem cells. Their immature immunological state gives these cells unique properties. These stem cells will disappear from the baby's circulatory system two to three days after birth.

It is important to note that if the mother has hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, HTLV or syphilis, it will not be possible to preserve the stem cells.

How is my baby's blood collected?

The collection of cord blood is a simple, safe, quick and painless procedure. The cord blood is collected

is collected immediately after the birth of your child, once the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. The collection can be performed during a vaginal or cesarean birth by the delivery physician or midwife.

Biosurance - Banque de cellules souches

Step 1

Complete the registration form at any time during your pregnancy and return it to us by email.

Step 2

Payment & delivery of the kit.

Step 3

On the day of delivery, hand in the kit to the medical team.

Step 4

After the delivery, contact ovobiosurance and our accredited medical carrier will pick up your kit.

Step 5

Once your kit arrives at our laboratories, we will begin the testing and cryopreservation process.

Step 6

Within the next few weeks, we will send you a report containing the characteristics of the cord blood collected.

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Accreditations

ovo biosurance meets the highest standards of quality and safety in technical and administrative performance, thus satisfying the requirements established by recognized Canadian and international organizations.

AABB Accreditation

The AABB is an international organization that sets quality standards for blood banking and transfusion medicine. ovo biosurance voluntarily undergoes evaluations by AABB experts every two years to maintain accreditation.

Health Canada Accreditation

Health Canada is a federal government agency responsible for protecting and improving the health of Canadians. One of their responsibilities is to provide inspection functions for various health care facilities, including cord blood banks. ovo biosurance undergoes assessments every two years.

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like more information about our family stem cell bank, please contact the ovo clinic at 514.798.2000 ext. 613 or biosurance@cliniqueovo.com for a free information session with our clinical advisor.