When it comes to cord blood preservation, the focus often narrows down to the final stage: freezing the sample. But what truly makes a difference happens much earlier: the PROCESSING of the biological material (blood, cord, and placenta).
It is during this phase that the sample is processed, tested, and prepared for cryopreservation.
The future quality of the cells, and thus their actual clinical usability, depends precisely on this KEY phase.
International standard specific to cord blood (accreditation held by SSCB)
Generic standard used by foreign laboratories relied upon by our competitors.
Processing is an active and critical phase that requires controlled environments, highly qualified personnel, and strict protocols.
Cryopreservation, on the other hand, is a passive phase: it only works if the processing has been done correctly.
Swiss Stem Cells Biotech (SSCB) is the only private biobank in Switzerland that manages the entire process – from processing to cryopreservation – in its own laboratories in Switzerland, accredited by FACT–NetCord for cord blood, and certified GMP for cord tissue and placenta.
Why Choose Swiss Stem Cells Biotech?
Many companies present themselves as “Swiss” but do not have their own laboratories in the country. In most cases:
We have been active for over 20 years and we offer you:
I am just a local distributor of foreign groups.
SSCB is the only private biobank in Switzerland authorized to offer the hybrid banking model, thanks to its national presence and certifications.
This is made possible by a pilot project approved by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and implemented in partnership with:
– Swiss Blood Stem Cells of Transfusion (CRS) Switzerland
– Bern University Hospital
– Canton Hospital Authority Ticino EOC
If parents choose to donate, the stem cells will no longer be available to the family. In case of need, they must consult the public registry to check the availability of compatible cells.
A choice that protects the family: the stored cells are reserved exclusively for the child or their relatives, ensuring maximum safety for their health. While the service requires a financial contribution, it offers a valuable opportunity for the family's future.
The most complete option: stem cells are stored for family use but can be donated upon request. In the event of a transplant donation, the storage costs are reimbursed. A choice that combines family protection with solidarity, with the final decision always in the hands of the family.
specific requirements are needed (and we have them)
According to Swiss jurisprudence and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the processing of cord tissue is subject to specific criteria:
SSCB is fully compliant with all these requirements. In our laboratories in Switzerland, we process and cryopreserve cord tissue according to the required standards, without any foreign outsourcing.
Appearance | SSCB – Swiss Stem Cells Biotech | Other operators present in Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
Processing | Takes place in Switzerland, in the GMP-certified SSCB-owned laboratories. | It takes place abroad, at the group’s laboratories or third-party facilities, not located in Switzerland. |
Initial cryopreservation | In Switzerland, right after processing | In foreign countries, then bulk reimportation to Switzerland. |
Laboratories | Owned by SSCB, located in Switzerland, accredited by FACT–NetCord. | In outsourcing or at the group’s laboratories abroad, outside local control. |
Declared standards | FACT–NetCord, GMP, compliant with Swissmedic | Often only AABB or unspecified in contracts |
Sample traceability | Total and direct, from collection to cryopreservation. | Partial, with more transfers and international shipments |
Transport of materials | Dedicated and internal to Switzerland: from the delivery room directly to the SSCB laboratories. | International, with double transfer: from Switzerland abroad for processing, and subsequent bulk reimportation to Switzerland for final storage. |
Contractual transparency | Clear contracts: they indicate where the processing takes place, referencing standards and laboratories. | Often, contracts only mention cryopreservation in Switzerland, omitting the location of processing, which takes place abroad. |
Data protection | Exclusive treatment in Switzerland, in accordance with the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) | Personal data travels with the biological sample abroad and is also processed in other countries: while the Swiss DPA remains formally applicable, local regulations that are not always mentioned in contracts may also apply, potentially leading to issues concerning the DPA and GDPR. |
Hybrid banking model | Already available at Inselspital and EOC, only with SSCB upon approval from UFSP and Swiss Cord Commission. | Not available |
Experience and history | Over 20 years of operation in Switzerland, thousands of families served. | Often recent local operators or branches of foreign groups |
Disposal of excess biological material | Management entirely in Switzerland, processes tracked and verified by Swissmedic | Foreign local regulations and procedures, often not defined in contracts |
Would you like to learn more or speak with one of our consultants?
Certified Swiss Biotech company a leader in stem cell preservation.
