How long does cord blood remain viable?

How long does cord blood remain viable?

A recent peer-reviewed study published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine examined cord blood stored for up to 29 years and found no loss in key measures of stem cell function.

Based on current evidence, cord blood remains viable for decades when stored correctly, with no known expiry date.

The researchers assessed total nucleated cell (TNC) recovery and viability, and CD34+ cell recovery and viability. Despite the storage times, the CB potency characteristics remained essentially unchanged, even in the oldest units.

The editorial accompanying the study was titled: “Cord Blood Stem Cells Do Not Age — Under Proper Banking Conditions.” The author noted that under well-controlled CB manufacturing and storage conditions, there was no evidence of cell damage or product “decay” (deterioration) in the CB units for the storage times evaluated.

Related research published in 2023 from Indiana University examined cord blood units cryopreserved for 27 years. The researchers demonstrated that long-term cryopreserved cord blood retains similar numbers of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells compared with fresh and recently cryopreserved cord blood units. Long-term cryopreserved units contained highly functional cells, yielding robust engraftment in mouse transplantation models. The authors concluded that cord blood units cryopreserved for extended periods retain engrafting potential and can potentially be used for patient treatment.

Read the full study here.