Stem cells: did you know that there is a strong compatibility between siblings?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of generating the different cell types that make up the adult individual. Due to their differentiation capacities, stem cells are of great interest in various medical fields. What also makes them very interesting is their greater histocompatibility, which means that this type of cell can often be used within the family. In fact, the probability of finding a compatible donor outside the family nucleus is 0.001% (1 in 100,000 individuals). Between siblings, on the other hand, there is a 25% (1 in 4) probability of compatibility.

This means that if you have stored your baby’s stem cells with us at SSCS, who have a FACT-NetCord accredited laboratory (the specific accreditation for the storage of umbilical cord blood and tissue and the only one that allows the sample to be used in any transplant centre in the world should it be needed), there is a strong probability that they will be compatible with siblings.

Learn more about the world of stem cells