12 Questions to Ask Any Stem Cell Clinic
The questions that separate legitimate clinics from marketing operations. We've answered them all—because we have nothing to hide.
The Stem Cell Industry is Unregulated in Many Regions
Quality varies dramatically—from world-class facilities meeting pharmaceutical-grade standards to operations that would not pass basic laboratory inspection. These 12 questions expose quality gaps, hidden costs, and red flags that marketing materials hide.
Use them at every consultation. The answers you receive will reveal whether a clinic prioritizes transparency or obfuscation, quality or convenience, your outcomes or their margins.
The clinic that won't answer these questions has something to hide.
— Dr. Medical Director, Sterling Longevity
12 Questions. 12 Answers.
Click any question to see why it matters, our answer, and what red flags to watch for.
01 What's your cell viability percentage at injection?
What's your cell viability percentage at injection?
Why It Matters
Viability determines effectiveness. Dead cells don't heal.
Our Answer
"We target and consistently achieve 95%+ viability at injection, verified by flow cytometry. You'll receive a Certificate of Analysis with your exact numbers."
Red Flag to Watch For
Won't provide specific percentage or uses vague terms like 'high viability'
02 Fresh or frozen cells?
Fresh or frozen cells?
Why It Matters
Frozen cells lose 30-40% viability. Fresh cells maintain full therapeutic potential.
Our Answer
"Fresh cells only. From the Sterling-certified laboratory to you within 12 hours. Never frozen, never compromised."
Red Flag to Watch For
Dodges the question or claims frozen is 'just as good'
03 What's the cell source and donor age?
What's the cell source and donor age?
Why It Matters
Younger cells are more potent. Cell age significantly impacts therapeutic potential.
Our Answer
"Umbilical cord tissue from healthy donors under 30. Fully screened and ethically sourced."
Red Flag to Watch For
Won't disclose source or uses autologous (your own aged) cells
04 Where is your lab located?
Where is your lab located?
Why It Matters
On-site labs mean quality control. Shipping degrades cells.
Our Answer
"On-site in Bangkok, Swiss-designed to pharmaceutical standards. You're welcome to tour it."
Red Flag to Watch For
Outsourced to third-party or overseas
05 What certifications does your lab have?
What certifications does your lab have?
Why It Matters
Certifications ensure quality standards and validated processes.
Our Answer
"ISO 9001:2015, GMP certified, THAI FDA registered. Full documentation provided."
Red Flag to Watch For
No certifications or only 'in process'
06 How many cells will I actually receive?
How many cells will I actually receive?
Why It Matters
'Up to' numbers are misleading. You need verified viable cell counts.
Our Answer
"Exact count specified in your treatment plan. 50M or 100M verified minimum, not 'up to'."
Red Flag to Watch For
'Up to 100 million' or variable dosing
07 What's included in the quoted price?
What's included in the quoted price?
Why It Matters
Hidden costs are common in medical tourism. All-inclusive programs reflect integrity.
Our Answer
"Everything — treatment, 5-star luxury hotel, meals, transfers, follow-ups. One all-inclusive investment, no surprise bills."
Red Flag to Watch For
Treatment only, accommodation extra, follow-ups additional
08 Are follow-up treatments required? At what cost?
Are follow-up treatments required? At what cost?
Why It Matters
Some clinics require expensive return visits. Ethical providers deliver results without dependence.
Our Answer
"Most guests don't need follow-up treatments. If desired, returning guests receive a 20% loyalty discount."
Red Flag to Watch For
Mandatory $15K+ follow-ups at 3, 6, 12 months
09 Who is my treating physician?
Who is my treating physician?
Why It Matters
Experience matters. You deserve qualified physicians making medical decisions.
Our Answer
"The board-certified physicians at our partner clinics have performed 5,000+ regenerative procedures. Meet them before you book."
Red Flag to Watch For
Won't name physician or uses technicians
10 What's your complication rate?
What's your complication rate?
Why It Matters
Safety transparency indicates institutional integrity.
Our Answer
"<0.3% minor adverse events (temporary fever, mild headache). Zero serious complications across 5,000+ treatments at our partner clinics."
Red Flag to Watch For
Won't disclose or claims 'zero complications ever'
11 Can I see my Certificate of Analysis?
Can I see my Certificate of Analysis?
Why It Matters
Proof of what you're receiving. The CoA documents cell count, viability, and sterility.
Our Answer
"Absolutely. Every guest receives their CoA showing cell count, viability, sterility testing."
Red Flag to Watch For
Won't provide or 'loses' documentation
12 What's your refund policy?
What's your refund policy?
Why It Matters
Financial protection and fair terms demonstrate respect for guests.
Our Answer
"Full refund if medically ineligible at any stage. Full refund (minus processing fees) if cancelled 30+ days before arrival. See our refund policy for full details."
Red Flag to Watch For
No refunds or 'case by case' only
This Is What Proof Looks Like
Every guest receives a Certificate of Analysis documenting their exact cell count, viability percentage, and sterility results. If a clinic can't provide this — that's your answer.
Ready to find out if regenerative therapy is right for you?
Am I a Candidate?Three Simple Steps
Save This Page
Bookmark this page or save it for reference. Have it ready for every consultation.
Ask Every Question
Don't let the clinic rush you. Ask all 12 questions and document their answers.
Compare Answers
The differences between clinics will tell you everything you need to know.
Your Discovery consultation: ask every question, get every answer — before you decide.
Ask Us These Questions
We're ready to answer every one. Take the free assessment or book a strategy call with the Sterling team.
Am I a Candidate?I printed these 12 questions and called five clinics. Sterling was the only one that answered every single question without hesitation. That told me everything I needed to know.
Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed. Name changed for privacy.