Q&A< About StemCell Institute >
Q: When was your company established?
A: The company was established in August, 1999 after a two-year preparation period. Business started properly from September, 1999.
Q: Is your business base secure?
A: We have been operating stably without debt for the last 20 years since establishment. We have approximately 99% of the private cell banking business share in Japan, so you can be reassured in using our services.
< About Contract and Contract Renewal >
Q: Can a collection be made at my maternity hospital?
A: Please contact Stem Cell Institute.We will approach hospitals we have not worked with up to now,to find out whether the doctor(s) concerned is amenable to collecting cord blood.If amenable collection is possible.
Q: I am expecting twins,so how should I enroll?
A; Each twin will need an individual contract.However, there is a discount for multiple pregnancy bookings.
Q: When do I pay the contract fee?
A: The contract fee is paid after you have given birth (we do not ask for advanced payments).
< About Cord Blood Collection and Cryopreservation>
Q: Is there any pain or danger when collecting cord blood?
A: Cord blood is collected in the first few minutes after the newborn has been delivered,so there is no pain or danger to either mother or newborn.
Q: How is the collected cord blood transported?
A; A member of our staff or a specialist specimen delivery company contracted by us takes full responsibility for ensuring delivery. However,there are some areas where we ask for cooperation from the family to ensure delivery to us
(in such cases,the transport fee will not be charged).
Q: How are stem cells contained in cord blood stored, and how long can they be stored for?
A: After freezing the cells with a procedure that minimizes damage, they are cryopreserved at ultra-low temperature(-190℃) in liquid nitrogen tank. In this state,it is conceivable that they can be stored semi-permanently. Bibliographically, there is data that show cord blood stem cells preserved using liquid nitrogen are still effective after 23 years of storage.
Q: I am expecting twins. Would there be any change in the contract?
A: In case of Identical twin(mono-embryonic delivery), one contract alone covers all things, however, in case of fraternal twin(polyembriony delivery), we need contract with each baby. If you want to cover both babies of fraternal twin, you are expected to sign two contracts for each (Special discount applicable).
Q: When do I pay the fee?
A: You make a payment after the delivery. We do not take any payment in advance. First, the collected cord blood will be tested for the cell count. After the test result shows there is enough number of cells to store we issue a bill.
Q: Can I still sign up even my due date is close? What if I have Caesarean section, or other ways of delivery such as home birth or labor in water?
A: We are prepared for every possible case of delivery. Please contact us in case you have any question.
< Others > Q: Is the fee for the cord blood storage considered as tax deductible medical expenses?
A: Not under the current government regulations.
Q: After cord blood is collected at the time of birth, how do you transport it to your facility?
A: Either our staff member or a specialized courier will come over to pick up the cord blood. For those who are in the remote area may be asked to ship the cord blood at our expense.
