Investigation Launched Following Discrepancy in Umbilical Cord Blood Samples
A regulatory investigation is underway following the discovery of missing umbilical cord blood and tissue samples held by GaiaCella, a company contracted to manage and store reproductive materials. According to data provided by JAZMP, the national health authority, GaiaCella transferred 472 umbilical cord blood samples and 367 umbilical cord tissue samples to JAZMP in April. These samples originated from contracts established between the owners and the original cell provider.
However, a subsequent review revealed a discrepancy: 18 umbilical cord blood samples and three umbilical cord tissue samples were unaccounted for at the designated storage location, as per existing documentation. JAZMP initiated an extraordinary inspection to determine the circumstances surrounding the missing samples and locate them. Gordana Kalan Živčec, director of GaiaCella, stated, “We do not know where the samples are,” emphasizing the company’s lack of knowledge regarding their whereabouts.
She has called for JAZMP to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all samples under their control. The investigation comes amid GaiaCella’s acquisition of approximately 4,000 samples from Biobank, which is currently in bankruptcy proceedings. Notably, GaiaCella undertook this transfer without a formal replacement storage agreement for the umbilical cord samples.
JAZMP is focused on ensuring the integrity and traceability of all stored umbilical cord samples.
Topics: #samples #umbilical #cord
