FAQ

Prior to harvesting stem cells, our friendly consultants will be on hand to provide patients with information and assistance. An arrangement will be made for patients to undergo a health screening.

Our medical professionals will check and ensure that the patients are healthy to proceed with extracting, culturing and storing of stem cells. Only then, will stem cells be harvested from bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue by your consulting doctor.

Bone marrow replenishes itself completely within 4-6 weeks after a harvest. A re-harvest is not recommended within this time frame as stem cells can be cultured in the laboratory.

Prior to withdrawing banked stem cells, Stem Med’s Cellular Laboratory can re-culture stem cells to produce more for banking.

There are a few factors to consider:

First is age. The ideal age to harvest somatic or commonly known as adult stem cells is between 21-30 years old.

Second is the health condition. As a general practice, stem cells from patients tested positive for HIV or active cancer will not be accepted.

The third is compatibility. Stem cells harvested from patients have higher compatibility if used for themselves than their parents. The human immune system can recognise tissue compatibility. This is known as MHC (major histocompatibility complex) restriction.

Fourth is therapy. Different therapies have different requirements; some with more stringent considerations such as compatibility.

Somatic or adult stem cells can be harvested from 21 to 60 years old. However, the best age to harvest stem cells is between 21-30 years old. Younger individuals may have more active cells and hence a higher chance of yielding of better culture results. For patients above 60 years old, we recommend a review on a case-by-case basis as it depends on individual health condition.

Stem Med recommends and harvests somatic or adult stem cells from bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue.

When harvesting stem cells from bone marrow, a special needle is inserted through the skin into the marrow cavity of the hip bone.

As for harvesting of stem cells from adipose (fat) tissue, patients will have to undergo a procedure called liposuction. Liposuction is a process of removing fats from the body using suction. Small, thin tubes called cannula are inserted through small incisions in the skin and fat is extracted.

Both procedures are performed under local anaesthesia. Most patients are discharged within the same day. Like any procedure, some patients may experience slight discomfort.

Harvesting process must be executed by qualified professionals. Like any procedure, harvesting stem cells from bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue may carry a slight risk of infection or surgical complications. Our medical professionals are always at the ready to advise patients accordingly during a consultation.

Re-culturing conducted under strict clean room conditions, like that of Stem Med Cellular Laboratories is considered very safe with minimal risks. Our MOH licensed clean rooms are certified ISO Class 5, Class 6 and Class 8 with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA), providing a sterile environment suitable for the necessary cell extraction, (re-)culturing and processing.

There is no evidence to show that stem cells from plants and animals benefit humans. It could potentially be risky to introduce plant and/or animal stem cells into the human body.

Patient’s banked stem cells will be disposed responsibly only with his / her consent.

After harvesting, the sample will be taken to the lab for processing and testing. If the sample is deemed viable for banking, the stem cells will be cultured and re-cultured to produce the required amount.