For the purpose of stem cell preservation, a small amount of the fluid withdrawn for genetic analysis is saved in a collection container for transport to a processing and storage facility.
Collection of the sample causes no change to the standard amniocentesis procedure and therefore adds no additional risk to the mother.
The protocols used for the cryopreservation process have largely been adapted from those originally designed for bone marrow haematopoietic stem cells.
Regenerative medicine is a field of medical research developing treatments to repair or re-grow specific tissue in the body.
Because a person’s own (autologous) amniotic stem cells can be safely infused back into that individual without being rejected by the body’s immune system - and because they have unique characteristics compared to other sources of stem cells - they are an increasing focus of regenerative medicine research.