CLINICAL TEACHING

ON
MENSTRUAL BLOOD
BANKING

Submitted To: Submitted On: Submitted To:

Mrs. Laxmi Kumar 27/01/2023 Pooja Deori
Assistant Professor MSc (N) I year
(HCN, SRHU) (HCN, SRHU)
IDENTIFICATION DATA:

Name of the student teacher - Pooja Deori

Name of the Evaluator - Mrs. Laxmi Kumar

Name of the topic - Menstrual blood banking

Duration - 20 minutes

Subject - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Date of presentation - 28/01/2023

Method of presentation - Lecture cum Discussion method

Venue - Obstetrics II

Group - B.Sc. Nursing IV Year

 INTRODUCTION

Menstrual blood stem cell banking is the process of banking of menstrual blood for the
purpose of cell therapy. Menstrual blood stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells, which
mean that they have the ability to self-renew and also exhibit multi-lineage differentiation
into other types such as cardiac, neuron, bone and fat cells.

DEFINITION

Menstrual blood banking is a process of banking of menstrual blood for the purpose of cell
therapy

OBJECTIVES:

 To treat disease of non- hematopoitic tissues

 To diagnose or treat diseases like Alzheimer’s heart disease etc.

HISTORY

Mumbai, March 8, 2011: Marking the 100th International Women’s Day celebration as a yet
another remarkable milestone, Life Cell International, pioneers in stem cell banking,
launched Life Cell Femme – Menstrual blood stem cell banking service in India. Actress &
Model Lisa Ray unveiled this innovative service at the launch function at Mumbai. LifeCell
is the first company offering menstrual blood stem cell banking in India and the launch of
this breakthrough technology reinstates LifeCell’s pioneering and leadership positioning in
the industry.

PHYSIOLOGY

Until now, menstrual blood has been discarded as unsanitary waste. But now, every month
during a woman’s menstrual period the uterine lining – Endometrium is shed along with the
extra blood and tissues. This lining of the uterus contains a large number of mesenchymal
stem cells and several thousand-fold high concentrations of stem cell growth factors. These
cells from the endometrium are unique because they have many properties and
characteristics similar to both bone marrow and embryonic stem cells.

ADVANTAGES OF MENSTRUAL BLOOD STEM CELLS

1. Higher Potential compared to similar cells from the bone marrow, and hence can
potentially be used across a wider range of applications.
2. Higher proliferative properties compared to similar cells from bone marrow, allows them
to multiply for longer duration without damages to DNA and hence larger numbers can be
obtained on expansion from small initial numbers.
3. Multiple Dosages are possible by obtaining unlimited numbers of purified mesenchymal
stem cells for therapeutic use for more than once.
4. Painless and harmless procedure allowing simple, easy & convenient collection of
menstrual blood.
5. High Patient safety since these cells are well tolerated, with no patient death, no toxicity
or any adverse side effects reported thus, holding the potential for a large-scale clinical use.

THE COLLECTION PROCESS

1 collection container pre-filled with preservation solution for sending the sample.
2. 2 Gel Packs which should be placed in the freezer upon receipt of the kit until collection
of the sample.
3. 1 Menstrual Pod to collect the sample.
4. 4 antiseptic towels to clean the outside of the pod, and clean the vaginal area before
inserting and removing the pod.
5. 1 alcohol swab to wipe the inside of the pod.
6. 1 biohazard silver foil bag to put the collection tube after collection.
7. Green card (a form with your personal data and collection details i.e. collection date, time
etc).
Remove the gel pack from the kit box and deep-freeze them by placing flat in the freezer
compartment of the refrigerator. Store the kit in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place at a
temperature of 22 to 25 degrees centigrade and avoid exposure to excessive temperature or
humidity and wait next menstrual period.

For menstrual blood is painless and hassle-free. The collection can be done at the privacy
and convenience of home using a ‘Menstrual Cup’ – a conical shaped medical grade silicon
cup which can collect up to 30 ml of menstrual blood. The menstrual cup is a reusable
product, approved by US FD and is used as an alternative to the sanitary napkin or tampoon
globally.

A cup that is made up of medical grade silicone is inserted into the vagina just like a
tampon. It is inserted during the heavy flow day of a woman. The cup gets perfectly fixed in
place for about three hours and has the capacity to collect up to 10-20 milliliters blood. The
blood is then poured into a container available in the kit. A kit is available in the market,
especially for menstrual blood collection.

After Care

1. Once the collection is obtained, transfer it into the collection tube. Ensure that the cap is
securely tightened.
2. Gently invert the container to mix the media solution and menstrual fluid.
3. Place the tube with the specimen in the silver foil pouch carefully sealed.
4. Remove the gel packs from the deep freezer and place them in the thermacol box, along
with the sealed silver pouch and then complete the green card.
5. Once the sample is ready to be dispatched attach pre-addressed courier bill to the outer
Box, inform the pre-appointed courier service immediately for an optimal cell recovery.
6. Ideally, specimens should arrive at the laboratory within 24-48 hours from collection.
Harvesting & Preservation

Once collected the menstrual blood stem cells are dispatched to a laboratory facility for
processing. After processing the stem cells are harvested and the menstrual stem cells are
frozen in liquid nitrogen storage container for cryogenic preservation at sub-zero minus 196
degree centigrade.

This procedure will enable the stem cells to retain its potency and viability for an indefinite
period of time. The stored sample can be retrieved at any point of time with no additional
cost.

Preserving menstrual blood ensures that the family will have a source of stem cells that is an
exact match, with almost no risk of rejection, if need arises for medical treatment.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCES

Researchers mention that “Stem cells can be obtained from women's menstrual blood derived
from the endometrium. The cells display stem cell markers such as Oct-4, SSEA-4, Nanog, and
c-kit (CD117), and have the potent ability to differentiate into various cell types, including the
heart, nerve, bone, cartilage, and fat. There has been no evidence of teratoma, ectopic formation,
or any immune response after transplantation into an animal model. These cells quickly
regenerate after menstruation and secrete many growth factors to display recurrent angiogenesis.
The plasticity and safety of the acquired cells have been demonstrated in many studies.
Menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) provide an alternative source of adult stem cells
for research and application in regenerative medicine. We summarize the multi-potent properties
and the plasticities of MenSCs and other endometrial stem cells from recent studies conducted
both in vitro and in vivo”. Menstrual blood contains millions of stem cells that have many
properties and characteristics similar to those of stem cells found in bone marrow and embryos.
These stem cells exhibit capabilities for self-renewal and multi-potency. A company in Los
Angeles developing medical treatments based on stem cells, called the discovery “exciting,”
saying the menstrual stem cells appear to have several advantages over other types of adult stem
cells. “For starters, they’re easy to obtain”. “And since, they’re the patient’s own cells, don’t
need to worry about immune rejection, a major problem associated with the use of embryonic
stem cells”. The lack of immune rejection could extend beyond women from whom the cells
were initially derived. The menstrual stem cells seem to have an immune system-suppressing
effect that could enable them to be transplanted into other people without rejection. Menstrual
stem cell can be used for treating several ailments - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
osteoarthritis, multiple-sclerosis, cardiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal
cord injury, acute lung injury and renal failure. The menstrual blood is a valuable resource of
stem cells. By preserving your own menstrual blood stem cells, you can secure your life against
such future ailments."

MENSTRUAL BLOOD STEM CELL BANKS

Life Cell is the main network of menstrual blood banking, headquartered in Chennai, India, and
has over 100 branches spread across 21 states in the country. The stem cell storage facilities are
located in Chennai and Gurgaon.
Chennai: The flagship facility at Chennai is home to one of the world's largest stem cells
processing and preservation centers with over 65,000 sq ft of operating area and spread over a 3-
acre campus.

Gurgaon: The newest facility with 65,000 sq ft of built-up area is presently serving as a back-up
storage facility and being expanded to include testing and processing divisions. This facility is
located at IMT Manesar and is about 30km from the Delhi International Airport.
 SUMMARY

Menstrual blood stem cell banking is the process of banking of menstrual blood for the
purpose of cell therapy. Menstrual blood stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells.
Advantages of menstrual blood banking are Higher Potential compared to similar cells from
the bone marrow, and hence can potentially be used across a wider range of applications.
Higher proliferative properties compared to similar cells from bone marrow, allows them to
multiply for longer duration without damages to DNA and hence larger numbers can be
obtained on expansion from small initial numbers. Multiple Dosages are possible by
obtaining unlimited numbers of purified mesenchymal stem cells for therapeutic use for
more than once. After care include once the collection is obtained, transfer it into the
collection tube. Ensure that the cap is securely tightened. Gently invert the container to mix
the media solution and menstrual fluid. Place the tube with the specimen in the silver foil
pouch carefully sealed. Remove the gel packs from the deep freezer and place them in the
thermacol box, along with the sealed silver pouch and then complete the green card.
 CONCLUSION

Menstrual blood stem cell banking is the process of banking of menstrual blood for the
purpose of cell therapy. Menstrual blood stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells.
Advantages of menstrual blood banking are Higher Potential compared to similar cells from
the bone marrow, and hence can potentially be used across a wider range of applications.
Preserving menstrual blood at an early age is a unique opportunity to secure your future. Decide
to bank your menstrual blood today for a healthy future. The flagship facility at Chennai is home
to one of the world's largest stem cells processing and preservation centers.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://www.medicalmagazine.in/menstrual-blood-stem-cell-banking-monthly-curse-turns-boon/

https://www.reelabs.com/menstrual-fluid-banking#:~:text=New%20research%20has%20shown
%20that,can%20be%20done%20at%20home.