Stem Cell Laboratory
The stem cell laboratory was established in 1996 to take over human blood progenitor cell processing activities previously performed in the Blood Transfusion Laboratory. The types of blood progenitor cells processed include bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells obtained by apheresis procedures. Processing performed includes red cell depletion, plasma depletion, tumor purging, CD34 enrichment, T-cell depletion, cryopreservation, storage and thawing. These techniques have made more donors available such that the majority of transplant candidates can now receive this potentially life saving therapy.
In 1999, 79 bone marrow and stem cell transplants were performed at SickKids double the number performed five years ago. This increase is due largely to the introduction of these new techniques.Blood progenitor cell processing is performed by trained laboratory technologists who have responsibilities in both the blood bank and the stem cell laboratories.
Such highly skilled technologists and the availability of sophisticated processing techniques have facilitated the development of new and innovative clinical programs, and will continue to support and stimulate research and development in this exciting field.
Dr. Wendy Lau
Director, Transfusion Medicine
Paediatric Laboratory Medicine
The Hospital for Sick Children
Phone: 416-813-5440
email: wendy.lau@sickkids.ca
Elizabeth McDougall
Resource Technolgist
Paediatric Laboratory Medicine
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto,
ON
email: elizabeth.mcdougall@sickkids.ca