AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies): Based in the United States, the AABB is a professional organization that sets standards and provides accreditation for blood and biotherapy facilities. The AABB focuses on improving patient safety and the quality of care in blood banking and biotherapies through education, advocacy, and the development of best practices.
Beta-Thalassemia: A genetic blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin, leading to anemia. This condition results in fatigue, weakness, and pale skin due to a shortage of red blood cells. It is inherited and more common in people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent. Treatment options may include regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and potential stem cell or bone marrow transplants.
Biobank: A facility that collects, processes, and stores biological samples for research and therapeutic use.
Collection Kit: A specially designed kit used to safely collect and transport cord blood after delivery.
Compatible Match: A donor’s stem cells that are genetically similar enough to be safely transplanted into a patient.
Consent Form: A legal document signed by parents to authorize the collection and storage of their baby’s cord blood.
Cryopreservation: The process of cooling and storing cells or tissues at very low temperatures to maintain their viability.
DoH (Department of Health): The regulatory authority in Abu Dhabi responsible for overseeing healthcare services and standards in the emirate.
Ethical Standards: Guidelines that govern the conduct of practices in healthcare and research, ensuring respect for patients and compliance with legal and moral obligations.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration): The FDA is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting public health by regulating food safety, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, and tobacco products. The agency evaluates the safety and effectiveness of medications and medical treatments, including stem cell therapies, ensuring that they meet established standards before being made available to the public.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs): Stem cells found in cord blood that can develop into all types of blood cells, useful in treating blood disorders.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing: HLA are proteins—or markers—on most cells in our body and our immune system uses HLA to see which cells belong in our body and which do not. This process is utilized during donor-recipient matching for blood stem cell transplants.
Genetic Markers: Specific sequences in DNA that can be used to determine compatibility between donors and recipients for transplants.
Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. It can disrupt normal blood cell function, leading to serious health issues.
Lymphoma: A type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. It primarily affects lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell, leading to the growth of tumors in lymph nodes and other organs.
Net-Zero: A target for achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere, indicating environmental sustainability.
Partial Match: A situation in which a donor's stem cells share some, but not all, genetic markers with the recipient. Partial matches can still be suitable for transplantation, especially in cases where a perfect match is not available.
Personalized Healthcare: Tailored medical care based on individual patient characteristics, needs, and preferences, often made possible through advanced data and biobanking.
Postpartum: Refers to the period following the birth of a baby, usually lasting up to six weeks. It involves the mother's recovery, emotional adjustments, and establishing feeding and bonding with the newborn. Postpartum care focuses on the mother's health and well-being during this transitional time.
Private Cord Blood Banking: The practice of storing a child’s cord blood for exclusive use by their family members.
Public Cord Blood Banking: The donation of cord blood to a public bank, where it is stored for use by patients in need.
Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic blood disorder where abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped. This can lead to blockages, pain, organ damage, and increased infection risk. Commonly affecting individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent, treatment focuses on symptom management and may include medications, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplants.
Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into various cell types and regenerate tissues.
Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine: A specialized area of medicine focused on using stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs, promoting healing and recovery.
Pan-human Biobank: A biobank that collects a wide variety of biological samples (such as blood, saliva, and urine) from diverse individuals. It connects these samples to anonymized health data to facilitate research on human health and disease.
Placenta: The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, allowing for nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother’s blood supply.
Umbilical Cord: The tube that connects a fetus to the placenta, carrying oxygen and nutrients during pregnancy.
Umbilical Cord Blood Donation: The act of donating cord blood to a public bank for use by others in need of stem cell treatments.
Unique Identification Number (UIN): A specific code assigned to each sample or record to ensure traceability and security in biobanking.