Safety & Vetting

Stem Cell Lab Certification: 12 Questions to Ask Before Booking

The laboratory is where your stem cells are processed. These 12 questions separate certified, quality-controlled labs from substandard operations.

The clinic is what you see. The laboratory is what matters. Your stem cells are processed, expanded, tested, and prepared for delivery in a lab — and the quality of that lab determines whether you receive a safe, viable, properly characterized cell product or a contaminated, low-viability preparation that will not work. These 12 questions audit the lab behind the clinic.

Key Takeaway

Never book stem cell treatment without asking about the laboratory. The clinic may be beautiful; the lab may be substandard. A legitimate lab will welcome your questions — it is a sign that you are a serious, informed patient.

# Question Good Answer Red Flag
1 Is the lab cGMP-certified or equivalent? 'Yes — certified by INVIMA / national authority' 'We follow GMP principles' (not the same as certification)
2 Can I see the Certificate of Analysis for my cells? 'Yes — provided with every treatment' 'We don't typically share lab reports'
3 What is the typical cell viability? '>90% at time of delivery' Vague or below 85%
4 How are cells characterized? 'Flow cytometry: CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, CD34−, CD45−' 'We test for viability only'
5 What passage number are the cells? 'P2–P4' Above P5 (cells may lose potency)
6 Is sterility testing performed? 'Yes — bacterial, fungal, mycoplasma, endotoxin' 'We test for sterility' (no specifics)
7 Who is the lab director? Named person with relevant credentials 'Our team handles it'
8 How are cells transported to the clinic? 'Controlled temperature, documented chain of custody' No temperature monitoring mentioned
9 Is the lab on-site or off-site? Either is fine — but chain of custody must be documented Lab location unknown or undisclosed
10 How long between cell preparation and delivery? 'Same day or within hours' Overnight or longer without proper storage
11 Are cells fresh or cryopreserved? Clear answer either way — both can be valid 'It depends' with no protocol explanation
12 Can I tour the lab? 'Yes — we welcome patient visits' 'That's not possible'

For clinics with verified, INVIMA-certified laboratory partnerships, explore colombiastemcelltreatment.com.

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