Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. The collection is completely safe for both mother and baby because:

• Collection occurs after the umbilical cord has been cut
• The procedure is non-invasive and painless
• It does not interfere with the birth process or bonding time
• It takes only 5-10 minutes
• It can be performed with both vaginal and cesarean deliveries

We recommend registering as early as possible in your pregnancy, ideally by week 28-32. This ensures:

• Ample time to receive your collection kit
• Time to discuss with your healthcare provider
• Peace of mind knowing everything is arranged
• Time to complete all necessary paperwork

However, we do accept late registrations and can arrange expedited kit delivery if needed.

Yes, absolutely! Stem cell collection can be performed with both vaginal and cesarean deliveries. The process is the same - after your baby is delivered and the cord is clamped and cut, your healthcare provider collects the cord blood and tissue. The sterile collection kit works perfectly in the operating room environment.

Stem cell collection can still be performed for premature births. However, the volume of cord blood collected may be smaller due to the smaller size of the placenta and umbilical cord. Our laboratory will process whatever is collected and determine if the sample meets storage criteria. Many premature baby samples have been successfully stored and used.

The collection is performed by your healthcare provider - your obstetrician, midwife, or a trained nurse. The collection kit includes detailed instructions for your healthcare provider. The procedure is simple and most healthcare providers are familiar with it. If your provider has questions, our medical team is available to provide guidance.

After collection:

1. Call our 24/7 hotline to notify us of the collection
2. Our specialized medical courier arrives at your location
3. The sample is transported in temperature-controlled conditions to our UK laboratory
4. Laboratory scientists process and test the sample
5. You receive confirmation and a certificate of storage

The entire process typically takes 5-7 days from collection to storage confirmation.

Research indicates that cord blood stem cells can be stored indefinitely when properly cryopreserved. Studies have shown that stem cells stored for over 20 years remain viable and effective. Our standard storage plans are for 30 years, with options to extend. The cryogenic storage process preserves the cells in a suspended state, preventing degradation.

Your stem cells are stored in Smart Cells International's purpose-built facility near London, UK. This facility features:

• State-of-the-art cryogenic storage tanks
• 24/7 temperature monitoring and security
• Backup power systems
• Multiple redundancy systems
• HTA licensing and multiple international accreditations

Storing in the UK ensures your samples are protected by robust regulatory frameworks and are accessible for treatments worldwide.

Your stem cells are protected by multiple layers of security:

• Regulatory Oversight: Licensed by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) in the UK
• Quality Standards: ISO 9001 certified, AABB and FACT compliant
• Physical Security: 24/7 security personnel, CCTV, and access controls
• Environmental Monitoring: Continuous temperature monitoring with instant alerts
• Backup Systems: Redundant power supplies and backup storage tanks
• Financial Security: Professional indemnity insurance and financial guarantees

As your storage period approaches its end, we will contact you with options:

• Extend Storage: You can extend for additional 5-year periods at competitive rates
• Transfer: You can transfer the sample to another facility if desired
• Controlled Disposal: If you no longer wish to store, we can arrange ethical disposal

We will never dispose of your sample without your explicit consent and multiple attempts to contact you.

In the rare event that your sample doesn't meet our quality standards for storage (due to insufficient cell count, contamination, or other factors), you will receive a full refund of any payments made. We maintain strict quality standards to ensure only viable samples are stored, as we believe this is in the best interest of families who may need to use the cells for treatment.

Cord blood stem cells are currently FDA-approved and used to treat over 80 conditions, including:

• Blood Cancers: Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma
• Blood Disorders: Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, Aplastic Anemia
• Immune Disorders: SCID, Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
• Metabolic Disorders: Hurler Syndrome, Krabbe Disease
• Bone Marrow Failure: Fanconi Anemia

Additionally, hundreds of clinical trials are exploring new applications including cerebral palsy, autism, diabetes, and heart disease.

The stored stem cells can potentially be used by:

• The Baby: Perfect match - 100% compatibility
• Siblings: 25% chance of perfect match, 50% chance of partial match
• Parents: Partial match possible (each parent contributes half the genes)
• Other Relatives: Varying degrees of compatibility

Cord blood stem cells are more tolerant of mismatches compared to bone marrow, making them suitable for a wider range of recipients.

While the probability of needing stored stem cells varies based on family history and other factors, current estimates suggest:

• 1 in 200 chance that a child will need their own stem cells
• 1 in 400 chance that a sibling will need the stem cells
• These odds are increasing as new treatments are developed

Consider that stem cell banking is a form of insurance - you hope never to need it, but if you do, it's invaluable. Additionally, the potential applications are expanding rapidly with ongoing research.

If your stem cells are needed for treatment:

1. Contact our emergency line with your details
2. Provide medical documentation from your treating physician
3. We coordinate with your medical team and the treatment facility
4. The sample is transported in cryogenic conditions to the hospital
5. Your medical team performs the transplant procedure

Our team has successfully released samples for treatment and handles all logistics, documentation, and coordination.

While we cannot guarantee treatment outcomes (as this depends on many factors including the patient's condition and treating physician's expertise), we can guarantee:

• Your sample will be processed and stored to the highest standards
• The sample will be viable when released (confirmed by testing)
• All quality metrics will meet or exceed regulatory requirements
• Full documentation and chain of custody will be maintained

Treatment success depends on many factors that are beyond our control, but we ensure your sample is stored optimally for potential use.

Our packages include:

• Standard Package (Contact for details)
• Premium Package (Contact for details)
• Ultimate Package (Contact for details)

All packages include the collection kit, 24/7 courier service, laboratory processing, comprehensive testing, and 30 years of secure storage.

Yes, we offer flexible payment options:

• Full Payment: 5% discount
• 2-Installment Plan: 60% now, 40% after collection (0% interest)
• 12-Month Plan: Equal monthly payments (0% interest)
• 24-Month Plan: Lower monthly payments (small processing fee)

We accept bank transfers, credit/debit cards, JazzCash, Easypaisa, cheques, and cash.

No hidden fees. The package price includes everything:

• Collection kit delivery
• 24/7 courier service
• Laboratory processing
• All testing
• 30 years of storage
• Storage certificate
• Customer support
• Release coordination if needed

The only additional costs would be for optional add-ons like extended storage beyond 25 years or additional testing services, which are clearly communicated.

We understand circumstances can change. If you're having difficulty with payments:

• Contact our team immediately to discuss your situation
• We'll work with you to find a solution
• We may be able to adjust your payment schedule
• Your sample will not be discarded without prior notification

Our goal is to help families preserve their stem cells, not to penalize them for financial difficulties.

Yes! We offer special discounts:

• Twins/Triplets: 15% discount on each package
• Sibling Discount: 10% off when you store a subsequent child's stem cells
• Referral Discount: Special offers when you refer friends and family

Contact our team for personalized quotes for your specific situation.