How collecting and processing cord blood is different with the Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for HLHS

Why is umbilical cord blood processed differently?

Umbilical cord blood is processed differently when collected through the Mayo Clinic’s Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) with the goal of using the isolated stem cells in current or future clinical trials. The umbilical cord blood can be collected at any hospital in the United States and shipped to the HLHS program to be banked.

How is umbilical cord blood processed and banked differently?

The umbilical cord blood is collected as it would be collected for use in public or private cord blood banks. The difference is how the umbilical cord blood is processed. The purpose of processing the umbilical cord blood is to get as many stem cells as possible in a highly concentrated product that may potentially be used in current or future clinical trials. In order to do this, all of the umbilical cord blood collected must be used for optimal outcome. Once processed, the cells typically fit in at least one 2 ml vials that are then stored at -196°C temp until future use.   The more umbilical cord blood collected can yield more vials of pure, concentrated stem cells and greater opportunities for participation in current and/or future clinical trials with those cells.

Once the sample is processed with our program, the umbilical cord blood becomes concentrated stem cells that are only usable in clinical trials for strengthening the heart.  When collecting with a bank outside of our program, it is always important to check processing procedures and usability for possible current or research.

To learn more, email HLHS@mayo.edu.

The Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a collaborative network of specialists bonded by the vision of delaying or preventing heart failure for individuals affected by congenital heart defects including HLHS. The specialized team is addressing the various aspects of these defects by using research and clinical strategies ranging from basic science, to diagnostic imaging to regenerative therapies.