Placental Tissue Banking: Complete Parent's Guide

Placental tissue banking is the process of collecting and cryopreservering stem cells from the placenta after childbirth. The placenta is a rich source of unique cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are being studied for their potential role in healing and tissue repair. Researchers are investigating these cells for a wide range of applications, including for conditions like type 1 diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and Alzheimer's disease. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• What It Is: The collection and storage of cells from the amnion and chorion layers of the placenta.

• Why Consider It: Hundreds of clinical trials worldwide are exploring the use of placental cells for regenerative medicine treatments.

• Who Could Benefit: The unique properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may allow them to be used by the baby, siblings, and potentially parents and grandparents in future therapies.

• Costs: Pricing varies by provider. Americord offers plans starting at around $145/month.

• How It Works: The collection process is safe and non-invasive. It is performed immediately after delivery, and the tissue is then sent to a lab for processing and cryopreservation.

• Comparison with Cord Blood: Placental tissue is a primary source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are being researched for tissue repair and regeneration. Cord blood is a primary source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are used in FDA-approved treatments for blood and immune system disorders.

Quick Comparison

Placental tissue banking offers families an opportunity to invest in future medical options that may arise from cutting-edge regenerative therapies. It is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider to explore this option.

The Science of Placental Banking

Collection and Storage Process

The process of banking placental tissue begins immediately after the delivery of your baby. To ensure tissue quality, a section of the placenta is carefully collected ^[4].

Americord's CryoMaxx™ processing method is designed to preserve the amnion and chorion layers of the placenta, which are rich in key components like cytokines, growth factors, and multipotent stem cells.

Tissue Collection

• A strip of tissue is aseptically procured from the placenta.

• Multiple samples are collected to ensure a comprehensive representation of the tissue.

• The tissue is carefully dissected by trained technicians to maximize the recovery of viable cells ^[4].

Preservation Process
To ensure the long-term viability of the cells, the tissue is cryopreserved. This process involves using controlled-rate freezers and specialized cryoprotective agents (CPAs) to prevent damaging ice crystal formation. For long-term storage, the processed tissue is maintained at temperatures below -130°C in vapor-phase nitrogen freezers.

This meticulous process is fundamental to placental tissue banking and provides a clear distinction from cord blood banking.

Differences from Cord Blood Banking

While both services involve banking valuable stem cells from birth tissues, placental tissue banking offers distinct cell types and potential applications compared to cord blood banking.

Here’s a breakdown of their unique features:

Studies have shown that co-transplanting MSCs with HSCs may improve engraftment and treatment outcomes. By banking both placental tissue and cord blood, families can secure a more diverse source of stem cells, expanding their potential future therapeutic options.

Medical Uses and Research

Current Medical Treatments

Placental tissue, particularly the amniotic membrane, is currently used in clinical practice as a biological dressing. It is regulated by the FDA as a human tissue allograft (HCT/P Section 361) for specific applications. It is used to treat burns, chronic wounds, and ulcers, and in certain ophthalmologic (eye) surgeries. In these applications, the tissue acts as a protective barrier and provides growth factors that promote healing.

Research and Development

The field of placental stem cell research is advancing rapidly. Hundreds of clinical trials are investigating the potential of placental MSCs to treat a wide variety of diseases. Recent findings have been encouraging:

• Neurodegenerative Disease: Preclinical studies suggest that placental stem cells may help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

• Lung Disease: Early-phase clinical trials have explored the use of MSCs for inflammatory lung conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), with some studies showing potential to stabilize lung function.

• Muscular Dystrophy: Research indicates placental MSCs can differentiate into muscle precursor cells and produce vital proteins like dystrophin, offering a potential strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Placental stem cell therapy is a promising area of regenerative medicine that may offer new treatments for many of today's challenging diseases in the years to come. ^[3]

New studies are also exploring the use of placental MSCs in treating Type 1 Diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Crohn's disease, and osteoarthritis. Researchers at institutions like The Royal Women's Hospital highlight the placenta as an ethical and abundant source of stem cells, opening doors to transformative therapies ^[5]. These advancements underscore the potential long-term value of placental tissue banking.

Placenta Stem Cell Therapy - Cost and Information

Guide for Parents

Understanding the costs and choosing the right provider are crucial steps for parents considering placental tissue banking.

Pricing and Storage Plans

Knowing the costs of placental tissue banking helps families plan effectively. Americord offers various payment options to make the service accessible.

For example, Americord offers a popular Complete Family Plan package with a payment plan of $145 per month for 24 months with 0% interest, which includes 20 years of storage. Families should review the available plans to find one that fits their budget.

Selecting a Bank

Choosing the right tissue bank involves careful evaluation of factors like accreditation, processing methods, quality policies, and FDA compliance.

Accreditation and Standards
Look for AATB (American Association of Tissue Banks) accreditation or compliance, which indicates adherence to high industry standards for tissue handling and quality.

AATB Accreditation signifies that a tissue establishment operates with the utmost professionalism and adheres to AATB's rigorous Standards and policies. ^[6]

Key Questions to Ask Providers:

• Processing Methods: How do you process the tissue and ensure the viability of the cells?

• Quality Guarantee: What is your policy if the banked cells fail to meet standards for a transplant?

• Regulatory Compliance: Are your collection and storage procedures registered with the FDA?

• Hidden Costs: Are there additional fees for collection, processing, or future withdrawal of the sample? ^[10]

Americord Registry is an example of a provider with strong credentials and advanced services.

Americord Registry

Americord Registry operates its own FDA-registered laboratory in New Jersey. Their CryoMaxx™ Processing method is designed to yield high-quality cell recovery.

What Sets Americord Apart:

• While cord blood is FDA-approved for over 80 conditions, Americord is actively involved in advancing the science of all birth tissues, including the placenta.

• Offers a $110,000 Cord Blood Quality Guarantee to ensure the viability of its cord blood units. ^[9]

• Maintains AABB accreditation for cord blood banking, in addition to AATB compliant for perinatal tissues.

• Provides a comprehensive 4-in-1 collection kit for cord blood, cord tissue, placental tissue, and exomes.

Legal and Ethics

Understanding the legal and ethical framework of placental tissue banking is crucial for parents to make well-informed choices.

Rights and Access

In the United States, parental rights over the placenta can vary based on state laws and individual hospital policies.

Hospital practices can differ:

• Some hospitals have a straightforward process for releasing the placenta to the parents.

• Others may require specific paperwork or have policies that classify the placenta as medical waste unless prior arrangements are made for banking.

Different hospitals located within the same state may have very divergent approaches to the placenta...hospital policies are rarely published on the hospital website, which is why these are hidden laws. - Law Professor Mathilde Cohen ^[10]

Key legal aspects to keep in mind:

What parents can do:

• Discuss your plan for placental banking with your healthcare provider early in your pregnancy.

• Contact your chosen bank to receive a collection kit and any necessary paperwork for the hospital.

• Ensure you understand the logistics of getting the placenta from the delivery room to the lab.

These steps help ensure a smooth process and align with the ethical principles of informed consent and patient autonomy.

Rules and Standards

Placental tissue banking is regulated to ensure safety and quality. The American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) is a key organization that sets standards for the industry ^[11].

Regulations to know:

• AATB provides accreditation and clear guidelines for tissue banking practices.

• Federal regulations (21 CFR 1271) govern the handling of Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps).

• Some states have their own licensing requirements for tissue banks, often requiring AATB accreditation ^[11].

Ethical principles include:

• Informed Consent: Parents must be fully informed about the process, costs, and potential uses.

• Privacy: Personal and medical information must be kept confidential.

• Transparency: A clear explanation of the current and potential future uses of the tissue should be provided.

By adhering to these legal and ethical principles, parents can be confident that their decision to bank placental tissue meets high safety and quality standards.

Conclusion

Placental tissue banking is a personal decision that allows families to preserve valuable stem cells for potential future use in medicine. This guide has outlined the key scientific, financial, and ethical factors to consider.

Placental tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), growth factors, and other components that are valuable for medical applications. Amniotic tissue from the placenta is already used in FDA-regulated products for treating chronic wounds, burns, and in eye surgery. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials are exploring the potential of placental MSCs for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries ^[2].

Placental tissue stem cells, derived from the placenta, have gained significant attention in the field of regenerative medicine due to their remarkable versatility and therapeutic potential. They are being studied for use in wound healing, tissue repair, treating eye conditions, and more. - Americord Registry ^[1]

When considering placental tissue banking, it is compatible with delayed cord clamping but is not compatible with placenta encapsulation ^[1]. Prenatal consultations with your healthcare provider and prospective banks can help you determine if this choice aligns with your family’s unique health goals.

If private banking is not the right choice for your family, donating the placenta for medical research or public use is a valuable alternative that can help advance science and treat others in need ^[14]. The decision you make today could pave the way for new and innovative treatments in the future.

References

1. Americord Registry - Placental Tissue Banking
2. ClinicalTrials.gov - Search Results for Placental Stem Cells
3. Journal of Translational Medicine - "Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid-derived cells: a review of their regenerative potential"
4. PMC - "Standardized Method for Distention, Decellularization, and Sterilization of the Human Placenta to Create a Whole-Organ Scaffold"
5. The Royal Women's Hospital - Placental Stem Cells Research
6. AATB - "Why AATB Accreditation Matters"
7. American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) Official Website
8. Americord - "Top Questions to Ask Your Cord Blood Bank"
9. Parent's Guide to Cord Blood - Americord Registry Profile
10. Parent's Guide to Cord Blood - "Your Placenta Rights Under US State Laws"
11. AATB Standards for Tissue Banking
12. eCFR - 45 CFR 46.206 - Research involving, after delivery, the placenta, the dead fetus or fetal material.
13. Biomaterials - "The human placenta as a source of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells"
14. Parent's Guide to Cord Blood - "What Your Placenta Can (and Can’t) Do"