Shanghai's first stem cell bank opened recently, spurred by growing interest in the potential life saving benefits for children of donors.

Blood stem cells are harvested from the umbilical cord, which is a plentiful source. Stem cells can serve as a continuous source of new cells to be used to treat many diseases.

The "life bank" is run by the Shanghai Red Cross Society, the Shanghai Blood Center and the Shanghai Stem Cells Technology Co Ltd.

Donors can store umbilical cord blood for potential future use. Their children, in turn, may be able to use the stored stem cells to fight cancers, immune deficiencies and genetic disorders.

According to sources, the store will also do research and development work on stem cells.

To help residents learn more about stem cells and how to store umbilical cord blood, the "life bank" has also set up a hotline.

"The line is quite busy and we get many queries everyday. People ask various questions about the blood reserve," said Lu Qiong, a consultant of the "life bank".

Storing the blood comes at a cost. Donors have to pay 5,800 yuan (US$698.80) for the first year of storage and an annual charge of 600 yuan (US$72.00) for the following years' storage.

Normally, the blood can be stored for 15 to 20 years, Lu said.

Blood stem cells harvested from the umbilical cord can be used to treat diseases on the bone marrow with significantly less rejection.

When blood is collected from the umbilical cord and stored, the stem cells are immediately available for transplant, experts say.

(China Daily February 16, 2004)