Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is a unique biological material that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta immediately after your baby is born. What makes it unique is that it contains special HEMATOPOIETIC stem cells, which can only be collected once, at the time of birth. These young, active, and powerful stem cells have the ability to generate new blood and immune cells.
What Is Cord Tissue?
The umbilical cord is the tissue that connects the mother and the baby and carries the materials necessary for the baby's vital functions, such as oxygen and nutrients. This tissue, which is cut and discarded during childbirth, contains a structure called Wharton's Jelly, which, just like cord blood, can only be obtained once. This structure contains multipotent stem cells called MESENCHYMAL stem cells, which have the ability to repair all cells, tissues, and organs other than our blood and immune cells.
Mesenchymal stem cells obtained from Wharton's Jelly have been the subject of more than 78,000 scientific studies (7,586 studies conducted between 2011 and 2022 alone) 1 and more than 58 clinical studies 2 worldwide, supported by billions of dollars in research funding, regarding their use in:
What Are the Advantages?
Mesenchymal stem cells obtained from Wharton's Jelly have not been exposed to environmental damage compared to other stem cell sources. They are younger and have a greater capacity for renewal, repair, and differentiation into different cell types. If stem cells are needed in the future, the collection procedure may be operationally painful, while the cells obtained may have aged and their effectiveness may have relatively decreased.
If needed within the family, without requiring any tissue matching, a small amount of the cells stored at our center can be expanded and prepared for administration. The remaining cells will continue to be stored. 3
1 United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) (www.pubmed.com)
2 www.clinicaltrials.gov.tr
3 Additional authorization for application must be obtained from the Scientific Board of the Ministry of Health.
Mesenchymal stem cells obtained from Wharton's Jelly have been the subject of more than 78,000 scientific studies (7,586 studies conducted between 2011 and 2022 alone) 1 and more than 58 clinical studies 2 worldwide, supported by billions of dollars in research funding, regarding their use in:
- Autoimmune diseases (Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, MS, etc.),
- Organ failure (especially in premature babies),
- Knee, joint, and cartilage damage,
- Chronic diseases (Asthma, COPD, Sjögren's Syndrome, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, Dementia, etc.)
What Are the Advantages?
Mesenchymal stem cells obtained from Wharton's Jelly have not been exposed to environmental damage compared to other stem cell sources. They are younger and have a greater capacity for renewal, repair, and differentiation into different cell types. If stem cells are needed in the future, the collection procedure may be operationally painful, while the cells obtained may have aged and their effectiveness may have relatively decreased.
If needed within the family, without requiring any tissue matching, a small amount of the cells stored at our center can be expanded and prepared for administration. The remaining cells will continue to be stored. 3
1 United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) (www.pubmed.com)
2 www.clinicaltrials.gov.tr
3 Additional authorization for application must be obtained from the Scientific Board of the Ministry of Health.
In Which Diseases Can the Cord Blood You Store Be Used?
Every 3 minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer somewhere in the world, and unfortunately, more than 80% of them die without receiving access to treatment. More than 400,000 1 children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide every year, while in Türkiye, more than 8,000 children are diagnosed annually. 2 According to 2019 data from Türkiye, the number of children urgently awaiting a stem cell transplant is over 900. 3 Even more concerning, while cord blood and cord tissue banking is quite common in developed countries, and 80% of children with cancer may have access to a treatment option, this rate remains at 30% or lower in developing and less-developed countries.
So, In Which Diseases Can the Cord Blood (Hematopoietic Stem Cells) You Store Be Used?
Based on current scientific data, nearly 90 diseases are known in which hematopoietic stem cells can be used. 4
2 www.thd.org.tr
3 Milliyet newspaper, June 2019.
4 www.yeditepehastanesi.com.tr
So, In Which Diseases Can the Cord Blood (Hematopoietic Stem Cells) You Store Be Used?
Based on current scientific data, nearly 90 diseases are known in which hematopoietic stem cells can be used. 4
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia
- Acute Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
- Acute Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
- Acute Myelodysplastic Syndrome
- Acute Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Acute Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Acute Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Acute Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency
- Acute ZAP-70 Deficiency
- Acute Omenn Syndrome
- Acute Chediak-Higashi Syndrome
- Acute Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
- Acute DiGeorge Syndrome
- Acute IPEX Syndrome
- Acute Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS)
- Acute Chronic Granulomatous Disease
- Acute Thalassemia Major
- Acute Sickle Cell Anemia
- Acute Fanconi Aplastic Anemia
- Acute Diamond-Blackfan Anemia
- Acute Primary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
- Acute Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia
- Acute Kostmann Disease
- Acute Acquired Aplastic Anemia
- Acute Structural Aplastic Anemia
- Acute Dyskeratosis Congenita
- Acute Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome
- Acute Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia
- Acute Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
- Acute Crohn's Disease
- Acute Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Acute Evans Syndrome
- Acute Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
- Acute Wolman Disease
- Acute Mannosidosis
- Acute Mucopolysaccharidosis
- Acute Leukodystrophies
- Acute Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)
- Acute Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD)
- Acute Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (Krabbe Disease)
- Acute Osteopetrosis (Metabolic Bone Disease)
2 www.thd.org.tr
3 Milliyet newspaper, June 2019.
4 www.yeditepehastanesi.com.tr
How many years can tissue / cells be stored?
According to the Cord Blood Banking Regulation (dated 2005), the storage period for cord blood has been determined as 15 years. However, scientific studies conducted worldwide indicate that this period can be safely extended up to 30 years.
Can my stem cells become unusable? If so, what happens?
According to the Cord Blood Banking Regulation, in the event that cord blood or tissue becomes unusable due to natural disasters or negligence, except in extraordinary circumstances such as war, and if a medical need arises for the child whose cord blood or tissue has been stored or for a first-degree relative (mother, father, or sibling), DOKUCELL™ accepts and undertakes to carry out all necessary procedures and cover all expenses required to obtain suitable tissue from domestic and international sources.
Is there a possibility that my child’s cord blood or tissue could be mixed up with another sample?
Every tissue/cell raw material received by our center is coded with a specific and unique barcode system that is never repeated. This barcode system eliminates the possibility of mix-ups and ensures the confidentiality of personal data from the very beginning. This barcode system is used throughout all stages, including raw material, intermediate product, final product, and finished product processes. Audits conducted by the Ministry of Health are also performed retrospectively based on this coding system. To prevent the risk of product mix-ups and cross-contamination, our center uses validated SOPs integrated with computerized systems, including minute-specific records, backups, control, and approval steps. In addition, a restricted access system with two separate password-protected verification steps has been established for entry into the area where cryogenic tanks are stored, limited only to authorized personnel.
How is information provided after the storage process?
After the production, storage, and quality control analysis processes have been completed successfully, a “Cord Blood and Cord Tissue Banking Certificate” is issued. Upon the family’s request, this certificate can be sent via email or delivered to the registered address as a hard copy. The certificate includes the baby-specific barcode number, processed and stored tissue information, stem cell quantity, and viability value. In addition, we provide a mobile application system where you can access all information regarding your baby 24/7 by logging in with your baby’s barcode information.
What Is Foreskin Banking?
What Is Foreskin Banking?
Foreskin banking is the process of collecting the foreskin removed during circumcision of a male child under aseptic conditions, isolating fibroblasts, one of its primary cell types, in a laboratory environment, and then cryopreserving and storing these cells.
The foreskin, just like normal dermal tissues, is a three-layered tissue that protects our body from external factors, provides thermal insulation, and helps eliminate various harmful chemicals. In the middle layer of this three-layered structure, called the dermis, are fibroblast cells responsible for skin youthfulness and elasticity, as well as the production of collagen and other structural molecules. These cells have been actively used worldwide since the 1990s in chronic wound treatment, advanced biomaterials, and injectable anti-aging applications.
Fibroblasts have been shown in scientific and clinical studies to be used in:
Foreskin banking is offered for the first time in Türkiye, including autologous, allogeneic, and combined applications, by DOKU BİYOTEKNOLOJİ A.Ş. Stem Cell, Biobank and Tissue Engineering Center.
What Are the Advantages?
Fibroblasts obtained from the foreskin, particularly when stored shortly after birth, have high potential in terms of their ability to produce structural proteins of the skin at high levels compared to adult cells. These cells have not been exposed to harmful environmental factors and are healthy and highly active.
Although fibroblasts obtained from adult tissues can also be used, compared to fibroblasts obtained from the foreskin, they are more aged, have been exposed to metabolic effects, and have reduced activity. In addition, telomeres, structures located at the ends of our chromosomes that, in a sense, reflect the lifespan of our cells, are significantly longer in fibroblasts obtained from newborn foreskin. Therefore, thanks to these advantages, fibroblasts obtained from the foreskin may provide long-term and highly effective results, particularly in anti-aging applications.
If circumcision is performed shortly after birth, the stored cells can, when needed, be expanded and prepared for repeated applications within the family without requiring any tissue matching.
1 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/overview/advanced-therapy-medicinal-products-overview
2 https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/cellular-gene-therapy-products/gintuit-allogeneic-cultured-keratinocytes- and-fibroblasts-bovine-collagen
3 https://apligraf.com/
Foreskin banking is the process of collecting the foreskin removed during circumcision of a male child under aseptic conditions, isolating fibroblasts, one of its primary cell types, in a laboratory environment, and then cryopreserving and storing these cells.
The foreskin, just like normal dermal tissues, is a three-layered tissue that protects our body from external factors, provides thermal insulation, and helps eliminate various harmful chemicals. In the middle layer of this three-layered structure, called the dermis, are fibroblast cells responsible for skin youthfulness and elasticity, as well as the production of collagen and other structural molecules. These cells have been actively used worldwide since the 1990s in chronic wound treatment, advanced biomaterials, and injectable anti-aging applications.
Fibroblasts have been shown in scientific and clinical studies to be used in:
- Diabetic and ulcerative chronic wounds,
- Burn cases,
- Epidermolysis Bullosa,
- Scar tissue,
- Wrinkle reduction and tissue rejuvenation (anti-aging) applications. There are numerous products involving fibroblast applications that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). 1, 2 In addition, biomaterials containing fibroblast cells are also actively used worldwide. 3
Foreskin banking is offered for the first time in Türkiye, including autologous, allogeneic, and combined applications, by DOKU BİYOTEKNOLOJİ A.Ş. Stem Cell, Biobank and Tissue Engineering Center.
What Are the Advantages?
Fibroblasts obtained from the foreskin, particularly when stored shortly after birth, have high potential in terms of their ability to produce structural proteins of the skin at high levels compared to adult cells. These cells have not been exposed to harmful environmental factors and are healthy and highly active.
Although fibroblasts obtained from adult tissues can also be used, compared to fibroblasts obtained from the foreskin, they are more aged, have been exposed to metabolic effects, and have reduced activity. In addition, telomeres, structures located at the ends of our chromosomes that, in a sense, reflect the lifespan of our cells, are significantly longer in fibroblasts obtained from newborn foreskin. Therefore, thanks to these advantages, fibroblasts obtained from the foreskin may provide long-term and highly effective results, particularly in anti-aging applications.
If circumcision is performed shortly after birth, the stored cells can, when needed, be expanded and prepared for repeated applications within the family without requiring any tissue matching.
1 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/overview/advanced-therapy-medicinal-products-overview
2 https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/cellular-gene-therapy-products/gintuit-allogeneic-cultured-keratinocytes- and-fibroblasts-bovine-collagen
3 https://apligraf.com/
How Are Cord Blood and Cord Tissue Collected and Stored?
Regardless of whether the delivery is vaginal or by cesarean section, immediately after the baby is born, your doctor collects the cord blood into a sterile blood bag within 1–2 minutes. The cord tissue is then cut and transferred into a tube containing a special sterile solution provided by the DOKUCELL™ team. This procedure does not cause any harm to the mother or the baby.
The cord blood and cord tissue delivered to the DOKUCELL™ team are placed in specially designed cold-chain transport containers and rapidly transferred to our Doku Biyoteknoloji A.Ş. Stem Cell, Biobank and Tissue Engineering Center under controlled temperature conditions of 2–8°C.
The cord blood and cord tissue undergo processing to isolate stem cells (hematopoietic and mesenchymal). The required quality analyses specified by the Cord Blood Banking Regulation, European Medicines Agency guidelines, and GMP guidelines are then performed. Following these analyses, the stem cells are cryopreserved and stored in our high-technology cryogenic storage tanks.
A Storage Certificate containing the baby's information and details of the stored cells is issued and sent to the family.
The cord blood and cord tissue delivered to the DOKUCELL™ team are placed in specially designed cold-chain transport containers and rapidly transferred to our Doku Biyoteknoloji A.Ş. Stem Cell, Biobank and Tissue Engineering Center under controlled temperature conditions of 2–8°C.
The cord blood and cord tissue undergo processing to isolate stem cells (hematopoietic and mesenchymal). The required quality analyses specified by the Cord Blood Banking Regulation, European Medicines Agency guidelines, and GMP guidelines are then performed. Following these analyses, the stem cells are cryopreserved and stored in our high-technology cryogenic storage tanks.
A Storage Certificate containing the baby's information and details of the stored cells is issued and sent to the family.
What Needs to Be Done After Deciding to Store Cord Blood and Cord Tissue?
What Needs to Be Done After Deciding to Store Cord Blood and Cord Tissue?
Before the birth or at the time of delivery, you can contact our support team, which is available 24/7 through the DOKUCELL™ contact numbers.
The family is provided with detailed information about the entire process.
The family who decides to store cord blood and cord tissue undergoes the necessary serology tests and submits the results to the DOKUCELL™ representative. If the results are suitable, the required collection kit is transferred to the family in a special bag. The kit and bag are delivered to the obstetrician on the day and at the time of delivery.
The family receiving the kit reads and signs the informed consent form and banking agreement included in the bag.
Once the date of delivery is confirmed, the family informs the DOKUCELL™ representatives of the date, time, and location. The family also informs the obstetrician who will perform the delivery that the cord blood and cord tissue will be collected.
If the delivery is by cesarean section, a DOKUCELL™ representative will be present alongside the family and the obstetrician on the day and at the time of delivery to provide support throughout the process.
In the event of an unplanned delivery, the DOKUCELL™ representatives are contacted, and the family or representative goes to the hospital with the necessary tissue collection kit and bag, if these have not already been delivered to the family.
Before the birth or at the time of delivery, you can contact our support team, which is available 24/7 through the DOKUCELL™ contact numbers.
The family is provided with detailed information about the entire process.
The family who decides to store cord blood and cord tissue undergoes the necessary serology tests and submits the results to the DOKUCELL™ representative. If the results are suitable, the required collection kit is transferred to the family in a special bag. The kit and bag are delivered to the obstetrician on the day and at the time of delivery.
The family receiving the kit reads and signs the informed consent form and banking agreement included in the bag.
Once the date of delivery is confirmed, the family informs the DOKUCELL™ representatives of the date, time, and location. The family also informs the obstetrician who will perform the delivery that the cord blood and cord tissue will be collected.
If the delivery is by cesarean section, a DOKUCELL™ representative will be present alongside the family and the obstetrician on the day and at the time of delivery to provide support throughout the process.
In the event of an unplanned delivery, the DOKUCELL™ representatives are contacted, and the family or representative goes to the hospital with the necessary tissue collection kit and bag, if these have not already been delivered to the family.
Does cord blood collection harm the baby or the mother?
No. Cord blood collection is a completely safe and painless procedure performed after the baby is born and the umbilical cord has been cut. It does not cause any harm to the mother or the baby. The procedure is the same regardless of whether the delivery is vaginal or cesarean and does not affect the birth process.
What happens if sufficient cord blood cannot be collected?
In some births, the amount of cord blood collected may be lower than expected due to the type of delivery or medical reasons. In such cases, our laboratory performs detailed cell count, viability, and quality analyses. Samples that meet the storage criteria are safely preserved, while families are fully informed in cases where the required criteria are not met, ensuring a completely transparent process.
Is the storage service affected in case of relocation or moving to another city?
No. Since your cord blood and tissue samples are stored securely at DOKUCELL™ facilities under controlled conditions, changing your address or living in another city does not affect the storage service. As long as your contact information is up to date, you can contact us whenever needed and receive information about the process.
Can stored stem cells be used in the treatment of different diseases in the future?
Scientific developments in stem cell therapies and tissue engineering are advancing rapidly. In addition to current stem cell applications used for various diseases, new treatment options are being developed in areas such as gene therapy, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine. Stored cells may serve as an important biological resource for scientifically approved future treatment methods.
How is the safety of stored tissues and cells ensured?
All samples are monitored through a unique barcode system and stored in cryogenic tanks under continuous temperature control in our laboratories equipped with GMP infrastructure compliant with international standards. Storage areas are monitored 24/7, protected with backup security systems, and the safety of samples is continuously verified through regular quality control processes.
