SmartBank is the umbilical cord stem cell bank for Your family since 2005
They have stored umbilical cord stem cells with us
WHAT TO DO
1
In order to access the service, all you need to do is request the SmartKit™ by telephoning SmartBank or by filling out the form found on the SmartBank web site.
The kit costs 250.00 Euro which cannot be reimbursed, but you have the right not to proceed with cryogenic storage and not to incur further costs. The kit will be delivered to your home within two days, unless other agreements are made.
The kit contains all the material necessary for collecting and transporting blood, in addition to all the instructions and support information required. The best moment to request the SmartBaby™ kit is at the 32nd week of pregnancy, but SmartBank is also able to cope with more urgent requests.
2
ONLY IF THE CHILD DELIVERY WILL BE IN ITALY
From the sixth month of pregnancy you may send to the Centro Nazionale Trapianti (fax 06.44.56.798) the Form and the privacy statement that you find in the Kit with the instructions. You will receive in a couple of days an official receipt (otherwise ask our help).
3
Starting from 30 days before the estimated date of birth, the mother must undergo the following blood tests:
Syphilis(‘VDRL’ o ‘RPR’ o ‘TPR’ o ‘LUE’, o ‘TPHA’)
5
Anticorpi HTLV1/2
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
The results of these tests must carry the collection date, the patient’s name and the accreditation of the laboratory. The tests must be repeated six months after birth, in order to cover the time window of the antibody response to the pathogenic agent.
If the delivery is to take place in countries other than Italy, please take contact with SmartBank in order to check if any export authorization is required.
HTLV1/2 is the RNA lymphotropic virus, linked to some forms of leukaemia. The test for this virus is compulsory in the European Union, as foreseen in the Directive 2006/17/CE dated 8.2.2006.
4
If the delivery will take place in Italy:
a) it is necessary to take contact with the “Direzione Sanitaria” of the hospital or clinic where the birth will take place, in order to obtain a certificate that will be included in the ministerial authorisation necessary for exportation. You will have to show the blood test results concerning Hep. B, Hep C, and HIV. Please be advised that in some Hospitals only inhouse tests are accepted. Enquire for help.
b) It is necessary to collect from the Transplant Centre a return fax that certifies the completed written consultation (par. 2 above).
c) It is necessary to send an application for the export of the stem cells to the Ministry of Health (you will find the form in your kit) together with the “Direzione Sanitaria” certification (a) above) and the certification fax from the Transplant Centre (b) above). Don’t worry, the procedure is simple and the Ministry issues authorisation in due time.
The Export Authorization will arrive via fax. You will attach a copy to the kit before shipment.
5
Paymentis due before giving birth. Should you change your mind before the shipment, or should you prove impossible to proceed with collection for any reason, SmartBank will reimburse the entire amount.
6
On the day you give birth, take the kit to the hospital or clinic with you to allow the staff to collect the umbilical cord blood. As soon as the collection procedure is complete, all you need to do is call SmartBank who will arrange for the kit to be picked up from the hospital or clinic and will send it via courier special delivery service to the laboratory in England. Details of the operation are available in the kit.
Within 30 days, SmartBank will send you the result of the stem cell extraction from blood process and the relative storage certification. From that moment on, your child’s stem cells will be stored in the laboratory for 25 years.
In the event of any doubts or worries, SmartBank staff are able to provide scientific and legal advice. You can get in touch with us at any time, even on Saturdays and Sundays, before, during and after the birth.
