US Women Are Now Saving Amniotic Fluid Samples From Amniocentesis

Samples have begun to arrive from around the country to Biocell Center in Massachusetts as mothers-to-be who are undergoing a routine amniocentesis diagnostic procedure are taking the opportunity to preserve amniotic fluid containing unique stem cells as a biological insurance for their child.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for women that has never been available in the United States before,” said Kate Torchilin, CEO of Biocell Center, a multinational company that is now receiving samples at its US facility.

“Following years of research, it has been shown that even a small amount of amniotic fluid is full of potent stem cells that may be differentiated into many types of tissues in the future," said Dr. Giuseppe Simoni, former Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Milan, Italy and Scientific Director of Biocell Center.

"Amniotic fluid is a source of valuable biological material, including amniotic fluid stem cells and can be collected without any change in the standard amniocentesis procedure,” said Dr. E. Robert Wassman, MD, FACMG, Chief Medical Officer, Good Start Genetics – and former Vice President and National Medical Director with Genzyme Genetics. “By preserving amniotic fluid cells, a mother will insure that her child will have the potential to benefit from future medical discoveries, if needed.”

THE SERVICE

When amniocentesis is performed by a physician, the residual amniotic fluid that is not sent for diagnostic analysis, is transferred into the sterile tubes supplied by Biocell Center and shipped to the company. The amniotic fluid cells are then prepared for freezing and placed into liquid nitrogen containers for long term storage. The service costs $1,650 for the first year, and $120 per year of banking after that.

The samples can be shipped from throughout the United States to Biocell Center facility in Massachusetts.