Safety
Lab Quality Checklist
Essential questions to ask before considering any cell-based programme.
Donor and tissue source
- Is the tissue source clearly identified?
- Was informed donor consent obtained?
- Were eligibility and infectious-disease screenings completed?
- Is the collection date and origin traceable?
Cell identity and composition
- What exact cell type is supplied?
- Are cell identity markers documented?
- Is the product purified or a mixed-cell preparation?
- Is the total cell count reported?
- Is the viable cell count reported?
Safety testing
- Sterility testing
- Mycoplasma testing
- Endotoxin testing
- Infectious-agent screening
- Visual product inspection
- Batch-release approval
Manufacturing information
- Laboratory name and location
- Processing standards
- Culture and expansion method
- Passage number
- Cryopreservation method
- Storage conditions
- Transport and cold-chain controls
Documents to request
- Certificate of Analysis
- Product or batch number
- Donor-screening summary
- Cell-identity results
- Viability results
- Sterility results
- Handling and storage records
Clinical oversight
Laboratory quality is only one part of a responsible programme. A qualified physician should also evaluate medical suitability, discuss alternatives, explain risks, obtain informed consent and provide a follow-up plan.
Warning signs
Please review carefully
- A provider refuses to identify the cell source
- No batch-specific documentation is available
- Only a large cell number is promoted
- Guaranteed outcomes are promised
- The same treatment is recommended for unrelated conditions
- No medical assessment is required
- Risks and limitations are not explained
- There is no follow-up plan
Practical points before you book
- Step 1Get every item above in writing
- Step 2Confirm a licensed doctor reviewed your case
- Step 3Avoid pressure to deposit before review
Medical suitability notice
This content is provided for general education and does not constitute medical advice. Cell-based therapies differ in source, processing, regulatory status and supporting evidence. Suitability must be determined by a qualified medical professional after individual assessment. Results cannot be guaranteed.
Not sure if this fits your case?
Send your medical documents to our Bangkok coordination team for a doctor-led review.
Related educational pages
Continue with closely related topics from this guide.
Autologous
Autologous Stem Cells
Autologous stem cells are collected from the patient's own body, commonly from bone marrow, adipose tissue or peripheral blood. Because the cells come from the same person, donor compatibility is not required. Collection procedures, processing time and suitability vary depending on the selected cell source.
Allogeneic
Allogeneic Stem Cells
Allogeneic stem cells are obtained from a screened donor rather than from the patient. Potential sources may include umbilical cord tissue, Wharton's Jelly, placenta, amniotic tissue or cord blood. Donor screening, laboratory processing and product quality documentation should be reviewed before treatment.
Allogeneic
Umbilical Cord MSCs
Umbilical cord MSCs are donor-derived mesenchymal stromal cells obtained from donated birth tissue after delivery. They are commonly discussed in regenerative medicine because they can be collected without an invasive procedure for the recipient. Patients should ask about the exact tissue source, donor screening, cell passage and laboratory testing.