Hematopoietic progenitors cells in cord blood.

Human umbilical cord blood was evaluated as an alternative to bone marrow as a source of stem cells for hematopoietic transplantation. In order to define an optimal collection procedure, we have studied the parameters that influence the collection, handling and storage of cord blood. We have attempted to correlate the quality of the samples with obstetrical and neonatal parameters. Using culture techniques we have studied the long term viability of the cells. Cell separation was also investigated. Our results suggest that most of the sample collected could be suitable for transplantation, in term of progenitors. However the observed variability between samples suggest that an efficient control of the quality of the samples is important.