Absolutely! We understand the importance of keeping our patients informed throughout the process. We provide updates at key stages of cell processing. You can opt into receiving notifications via email or direct contact from your PSC Care Concierge, who will keep you informed about the progress of your stem cell isolation and preparation.

The cell processing typically takes a few hours to complete. Once the fat tissue is collected, the processing involves isolating the stem cells, which is a delicate procedure requiring precision and careful handling. The exact duration can vary depending on the volume of tissue collected and the specific protocol used for your stem cells.

Yes, our cell processing procedures are conducted in a state-of-the-art laboratory in Poway, California. Our lab is FDA inspected and a licensed tissue bank which adheres to strict standards for safety and sterility. We follow Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) to ensure that every step of the cell processing is controlled and contamination-free. Our lab technicians use advanced equipment and techniques to maintain a sterile environment throughout the cell isolation process.

Cryopreserved stem cells can potentially be stored indefinitely without significant degradation. The integrity of the cells is maintained by the ultra-low temperatures, which halt metabolic processes and preserve the cells in a state very close to their original condition.

Stem cells are typically stored at temperatures below -150°C (-238°F). Most commonly, they are kept in liquid nitrogen storage systems that maintain temperatures around -196°C (-320.8°F). This ultra-low temperature is crucial for halting all biological and chemical processes, effectively pausing cellular aging and degradation.

Yes, stem cells are kept viable during cryopreservation using a slow freezing process, which involves the addition of cryoprotectants before freezing. These substances help prevent the formation of ice crystals that can damage cell structures. The cells are then slowly cooled to a very low temperature to minimize any thermal shock.

Generally, the process takes 60-days. During this time, cells are grown under controlled conditions where they divide and multiply to the required quantity to be useful for treatment. The exact timeline will depend on the growth rate of the stem cells and the safety testing we perform.

Expanded stem cell doses are meticulously tracked and stored using a unique patient ID code system that record details about each batch, including the date of extraction, expansion, quantity, and patient-specific information. This data is typically managed in a secure database to ensure traceability. The cells themselves are stored in cryogenic conditions, similar to initial storage, to maintain their viability until they are needed for therapy. This precise tracking ensures that the correct doses are readily available for each patient’s treatment plan.

Expanding stem cells in the laboratory aims to preserve their regenerative properties while increasing their quantity. Thus, it is crucial that the process is conducted under strict laboratory conditions to maintain their differentiation potential and functionality. While expansion does not inherently alter the cells' properties, factors such as the culture environment, duration of expansion, and handling techniques can impact their viability and effectiveness. PSC's expansion protocols are carefully managed to ensure the therapeutic quality of the cells remains intact.

If the cells fail any of the safety tests, they are deemed unsuitable for clinical application. Depending on the type of contamination or issue:

• The sample may be discarded to prevent any risk of disease transmission or ineffective treatment.
• In some cases, additional treatments or purification processes might be attempted to salvage the cells.
• You will be informed, and depending on the situation, a new sample collection might be suggested if possible.

The cells undergo several tests to ensure their safety for therapeutic use. These tests typically include:

• Sterility Testing: To check for any bacterial or fungal contamination.
• Endotoxin Testing: To ensure there are no harmful bacterial toxins present that could cause immune reactions.
• Mycoplasma Testing: To detect cell culture contaminants that might not cause visible changes but could alter cell properties.
• Viability Testing: To confirm that a high percentage of the cells are alive and capable of functioning.