Where to store stem cells

There are currently three private cord blood banks in South Africa. You can either store your baby's stem cells in South Africa or abroad. Netcells Cryogenics and Lazaron Biotechnologies (SA) Ltd both recommend local storage, as stem cells need to reach the laboratory for processing as soon as possible after being collected at birth, before the cells start dying.

1. Cryo-Save of South Africa
www.cryo-save.co.za
Email: post@cryo-save.co.za
Tel: 011 803 4409

2. Lazaron Biotechnologies (SA) Ltd
www.lazaron.co.za
Email: info@lazaron.co.za
Tel: 021 809 2100

3. Netcells Cryogenics
www.netcells.co.za
Email: info@netcells.co.za
Tel: 011 697 2900

Will my medical aid cover this procedure?

Generally medical schemes don't cover stem cell banking, but there are some that cover a portion of the cost if members fit the required criteria (If, for example a family member has an illness that can be treated with stem cells). It will be best to check with your medical aid whether or not they offer coverage for stem cell banking.

Parents should consider the following when deciding whether or not they should store their baby's stem cells:

• If there's a family history of certain illnesses such as blood cancers, inherited blood disorders and inherited immune deficiencies.
• If one of your children has a disease that's treatable through a stem cell transplant.
• Families of African origin and mixed-race marriages need to consider this option as it's extremely difficult to find suitable donors in such cases.
• As a form of medical insurance

By Xanet van Vuuren

Moms who've stored stem cells


xanet van vuuren, stem cell, baby, birth