Stem Cell Cryobank Earns AABB Accreditation

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - Jan. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- Stem Cell Cryobank (www.stemcellcryobank.com) and its Medical Director, Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj MD, announced today that it has received AABB re-accreditation for cell therapy associated with cord blood and peripheral blood stem cell processing, storage, and distribution. The AABB, formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks, has accredited the Stem Cell Cryobank, which works in conjunction with the South Florida Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Institute, since 2007.

"This is a tremendous achievement for the Stem Cell Cryobank because the AABB is the premier accrediting body in the United States that ensures quality to patients who choose to use a particular stem cell bank," said Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj who is also the founder of Stem Cell Cryobank.  "Our entire team has worked tirelessly to meet the rigorous quality standards of the AABB for our cord blood and adult stem cell banking.  This is certainly an excellent way to ring in the new year."

In order to be AABB accredited, the Stem Cell Cryobank had an intensive on-site assessment by expert AABB assessors that certifies the administrative and technical performance of the Stem Cell Cryobank meets and exceeds the industry standards set by the AABB.  By successfully meeting those requirements, Stem Cell Cryobank joins similar facilities located throughout the United States and around the world that also have earned AABB Accreditation.

Dr. Maharaj also commented, "In the year 2014 we are making a stronger commitment to let the public know about the Stem Cell Cryobank and our dedication to quality in cord blood and adult stem cell banking, as evidenced by our AABB accreditation.  We have developed sophisticated techniques to deliver the best possible collection results to our clients.  Combine that with our local accessibility in South Florida and it is easy to see why more parents are banking their cord blood and adult stem cells with the Stem Cell Cryobank."

The AABB current accreditation lasts from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015. The AABB Accreditation program has been recognized by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua).  In June 1995, AABB was granted “deemed status” as an accrediting organization under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88) program.

AABB grants accreditation for:

·         Donor Centers – Collection, Processing, Testing, and Distribution

·         Transfusion Services – Testing (Pretransfusion, Compatibility), Blood Administration

·         Cellular Therapy (Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells, Cord Blood, Somatic Cells)

·         Immunohematology Reference Laboratories

·         Perioperative Services

·         Relationship/Parentage Testing

·         Molecular Testing for Red Cell, Platelet, and Neutrophil Antigens

The Stem Cell Cryobank offers cord blood and cord tissue banking services to expectant parents.  The addition of cord tissue to the cord blood collection increases the overall yield of cell and its ability to be utilized for a child in a stem cell transplant.  Currently there are over 70 FDA approved indications for cord blood stem cell transplants which includes cancers like various leukemias and lymphomas, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders.  Over 3000 clinical trials utilizing stem cells have been registered with the FDA.

About AABB

Established in 1947, AABB is an international, not-for-profit association dedicatedto the advancement of science and the practice of blood centers, transfusion medicine and related biological therapies. The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety. AABB membership consists of nearly 2,000 institutions and 8,000 individuals, including physicians, nurses, scientists, researchers, administrators, medical technologists and other health care providers. Members are located in more than 80 countries. For more information, please visit www.aabb.org.

About Stem Cell Cryobank

Stem Cell Cryobank, led by Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj MD, is an affiliate of the South Florida Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Institute, which facilitates umbilical cord blood & tissue, along with adult peripheral blood stem cell processing and storage.  Expectant parents have relied on Stem Cell Cryobank for over a decade to store their child's cord blood for use in life saving situations.  Healthy adults have been able to store their healthy immune system (via their stem cells) for future benefit as well.  To find out more about Stem Cell Cryobank visit http://www.stemcellcryobank.com.  For more information on the South Florida Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Institute visit http://www.bmscti.org.