New Device to Improve Cord Blood Collection

Graduate students at John Hopkins University have created a new system that will improve the collection of umbilical cord blood. The device, the CBx System, would allow doctors to collect more stem cells from each umbilical cord  blood unit.

According to the students working on the new device, the reason that the current cord blood collection method is less effective is that it relies only on gravity. The CBx System depends on mechanical forces and chemical solutions that help to grab more stem cells from the umbilical cord.

Testing for the device has been successful so far, as the research team’s device has collected 50% more stem cells than with the commonly-used gravity system. They believe that is it possible to multiply the number of stem cells that can be derived from cord blood by up to five times. Their next step will see them attempt to make this projection a reality, while making the system functional for hospital workers.

The more stem cells that can be obtained from each sample, the more people will benefit. This new invention could increase the number of stem cell samples available for transplant so that more patients with leukemia and other blood diseases will have access to cord blood treatment in the future.