Why Local Storage is preferable to International Storage

Netcells’ technology is on a par, if not better than most of the top international stem cells storage companies. We were the first to introduce the closed sepax processing method and storage in bags to parents in South Africa wanting to store their baby’s stem cells. Other European laboratories only recently changed their technology to this method.
As we are a local laboratory, your baby’s cord blood will arrive at our laboratory within 24 hours for processing. Evidence based research confirms that in order to obtain maximum cell viability the cord blood should be processed within 24 – 36 hours from time of collection.
It is scientifically incorrect that a delay in processing improves the quality of cells for transplant, as long as they remain at room temperature. This is specifically untrue for the CD45+ cells which are the most important cells in a transplant, as their viability decreases significantly from the moment they are collected. The cord blood therefore ideally needs to be processed within 24 - 36 hours. In any event, it is furthermore impossible for the stem cells to remain at room temperature in the cargo hold of an international flight.
We are fortunate to be able to compare viabilities because we offer storage both locally and internationally, and have accumulated data bearing out improved viabilities on average in stem cells stored locally versus those stored internationally.
International storage runs the risk of delays in courier, especially when there are no direct flights on a daily basis to the country of storage, which can compromise the cells viability.
Less carbon emissions in storing locally.
Netcells is a truly South African company. Storing your baby’s stem cells with us, helps build our business and consequently our investment in technology, our people and the local communities/charities that we support.
As we are based in Midrand, Johannesburg you are welcome to come and visit our laboratory to see how the stem cells are processed and stored. This can give you added comfort to actually see where your baby’s stem cells are being stored (as opposed to being stored in a country you have never visited).
Should you emigrate and the stem cells are needed for transplant, Netcells will courier the stem cells in their frozen state, anywhere in the world, free-of-charge.
Potential concerns about the political situation are unfounded. The Regulations governing stem cells are currently being drafted, and the Department of Health has established a task team which is clearly committed to promulgating this soonest. Netcells continues to work closely with Government in achieving this. The Department of Science and Technology remains committed to ensuring continued investment in the biotechnology fields, including stem cells.
Government has a commitment under the Human Tissue Act to protect every citizen of this country’s human tissue (stem cells).
If you would still prefer to store internationally, we offer international stem cell storage with our sister laboratory, Smart Cells International in the United Kingdom. As Smart Cells laboratory is situated near London Heathrow and there are many daily direct flights to London, your stem cells will arrive at Smart Cells’ Laboratory within 24 - 36 hours for processing.