Stem Cells Laboratory

Established in 2017, the Stem Cell Laboratory is the only facility in Armenia that processes, cryopreserves, and stores hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) collected from bone marrow and mobilized peripheral blood for clinical use.

All stem cell manipulations are carried out in a GMP Class B cleanroom, equipped with an independent air filtration and ventilation system. Before processing, each HSC concentrate is thoroughly examined to assess its quantitative and qualitative characteristics, including cell composition, total nucleated and mononuclear cell counts, CD34+/CD45+/7AAD– immunophenotype cell counts, and cell viability. Clonogenic assays are also conducted to evaluate the proliferative and differentiation potential of the stem cells.

During processing, specialized techniques such as centrifugation, sedimentation, plasma separation, and immunomagnetic cell separation are used to purify and concentrate the transplant material.

Cryopreservation of stem cells is carried out using a five-phase controlled-rate freezing program, which ensures the highest possible cell viability. After freezing, the transplant material is stored in liquid nitrogen-filled cryo tanks (thermoboxes) equipped with 24/7 monitoring systems, allowing long-term storage without compromising the biological activity or viability of the cells.

Equipment and Facilities

The laboratory is equipped with advanced technologies, including:

• Hematology Analyzer – Sysmex XN-350 (Japan)
• Controlled-rate Freezer – CryoMed, Thermo Fisher Scientific (USA)
• Cryogenic Storage Tank – 10K Series, Taylor Wharton (USA)
• Magnetic Separator – CliniMACS, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH (Germany)
• CO₂ Incubator, Thermo Fisher Scientific (USA)
• Freezers, refrigerators, Dewar flasks (for liquid nitrogen storage), laminar flow cabinets, and more.