PARENTS ADVISED TO WAIT UNTIL REVIEW OF RESULTS
Repeat testing and further consultation with the panel of experts will be needed if the results for some of the samples are inconclusive, it added.
“We understand that many parents are eager to know the outcome of the investigation and we seek their patience,” MOH said.
“The transfer of CBUs to another cord blood bank carries risks and should be an option that is considered carefully, accompanied by detailed discussions with the receiving cord blood bank.
“Parents are advised to wait until the completion of the testing and review of the results.”
The ministry added that it is working closely with Cordlife to ensure that the company progressively updates its clients as the analysis for the affected tanks is completed. It will also guide parents on the transfer policy and processes where appropriate.
Earlier this week, MOH sent a letter to Cordlife, requiring the company to rectify, by May 31, a list of “potential non-compliances” with health regulations that the ministry has identified based on its inspections.
These include ineffective incident reporting frameworks, inadequate training and competence of staff, and the inappropriate storage of cord blood units, among others, said Cordlife.
MOH ordered Cordlife on Nov 30 to stop the collection, testing, processing and/or storage of any new cord blood and human tissues, or provide any new types of tests to patients, for a period of up to six months.
And in December, Cordlife’s cellular therapy accreditation was indefinitely suspended by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, a global non-profit corporation which conducts inspections and accreditation in cellular therapy.
Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary said on Jan 10 that MOH will review the regulatory requirements for cord blood banking, following Cordlife’s mishandling of cord blood units.
