The processing procedure KRIO Institute applies, enables an especially large number of VSEL cells to survive. VSEL cells are present in a much larger proportion in the final preparation process than in the unprocessed umbilical cord blood. VSEL cells tolerate freezing very well, as shown in samples stored at KRIO which are rich in VSEL cells even after thawing.

Recent studies show that stem cells from umbilical cord blood can transform into various types of tissues because very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells present in the umbilical cord blood are also involved in this process. Moreover, VSEL cells never become cancer cells. Consequently, therapeutic benefits of any type of stem cells – mesenchymal and umbilical cord blood stem cells alike – can be attributed to these tiny cells. These pluripotent stem cells remain in the blood as a kind of “living fossils” at a certain stage of embryonic development, and they are capable of transforming into almost any kind of cell.