Download: Printable checklist for your consultations
Introduction
Choosing a stem cell clinic is one of the most important health decisions you'll make. The industry is largely unregulated internationally, and quality varies dramatically—from world-class facilities meeting pharmaceutical-grade standards to operations that would not pass basic laboratory inspection.
These 12 questions will help you separate legitimate clinics from marketing operations. 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 12 Questions
1. What is your cell viability percentage at the time of injection?
Why it matters: Cell viability measures what percentage of cells are alive and functional at the moment of administration. Research demonstrates that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) viability directly correlates with therapeutic efficacy (Salem & Thiemermann, 2010). Frozen cells typically lose 30-40% viability during the thawing process, significantly reducing potential therapeutic benefit (Ginis et al., 2012).
Red flags:
- "We don't test viability"
- "Industry standard" without specific percentages
- Refusal to share Certificate of Analysis
- Viability tested days before injection (cells degrade over time)
What to look for: 90%+ viability tested immediately before administration using flow cytometry
Sterling-certified answer: "Sterling-certified partner clinics guarantee 95%+ viability, verified by flow cytometry performed the morning of treatment. Every guest receives their Certificate of Analysis before any procedure begins."
2. Are the cells fresh or frozen?
Why it matters: Fresh cells maintain full metabolic activity and secretory capacity. Cryopreserved cells enter cellular senescence—a shock state that impairs their proliferation capacity and paracrine signaling (Ginis et al., 2012). Studies consistently show fresh MSCs outperform frozen equivalents in therapeutic applications (Liu et al., 2017).
Red flags:
- "We use cryopreserved cells for convenience"
- "Freezing doesn't affect quality" (demonstrably false)
- Cells shipped long distances or across borders
- "We keep cells frozen until needed"
What to look for: Fresh cells processed on-site or nearby within hours of administration
Sterling-certified answer: "Fresh cells prepared in the on-site swiss-designed laboratory at Sterling-certified partner clinics the morning of treatment. Never frozen. Never shipped. This preserves full secretory capacity and therapeutic potential."
3. What is the cell source and donor age?
Why it matters: Cell age significantly impacts therapeutic potential. Young cells possess longer telomeres, superior proliferation capacity, and more robust secretome profiles (Kern et al., 2006). Research demonstrates that MSCs from donors over 35 exhibit reduced differentiation capacity and altered cytokine production (Choudhery et al., 2014).
Red flags:
- "Your own cells" (autologous from aged patients—less effective)
- Unclear donor screening protocols
- "Proprietary source" (evasion)
- No maximum donor age specified
What to look for: Young umbilical cord tissue from rigorously screened donors under 35
Sterling-certified answer: "Umbilical cord-derived MSCs from healthy donors under 35, fully screened for infectious diseases, genetic conditions, and lifestyle factors. The umbilical cord represents the youngest, most potent source of MSCs available."
4. How many cells will I actually receive?
Why it matters: Cell dose correlates with clinical outcomes across multiple therapeutic indications (Lalu et al., 2012). Some clinics inflate numbers by counting non-viable cells or using marketing figures unrelated to the actual dose administered.
Red flags:
- Vague answers ("it depends on your condition")
- "Up to X million" (meaningless ceiling)
- Refusal to specify exact numbers
- Counting non-viable cells in the total
What to look for: Specific cell count with stated viability percentage
Sterling-certified answer: "50 million or 100 million total viable cells at 95%+ viability (100 million delivered as two 50-million-cell sessions 48-72 hours apart), depending on the program recommended by physicians after on-site assessment. These numbers are guaranteed — not estimates."
5. What laboratory certifications does your facility hold?
Why it matters: Laboratory quality directly determines cell quality, sterility, and safety. International standards exist specifically to ensure cell products meet pharmaceutical-grade specifications. Uncertified labs operate without external validation of their processes (Galipeau & Sensébé, 2018).
Red flags:
- "We follow best practices" (without certification)
- Only local regulatory minimums (often inadequate)
- No mention of GMP, ISO, or equivalent standards
- "Our lab is state-of-the-art" (subjective claim)
What to look for: GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), ISO 9001, ISO 17025, or equivalent international certifications
Sterling-certified answer: "Swiss-designed laboratory meeting international GMP standards. Full environmental monitoring, validated standard operating procedures, and quality control at every production stage."
6. Where is your laboratory located?
Why it matters: MSCs are living products that degrade during transport. Temperature fluctuations, time delays, and handling stress all reduce cell viability and function. On-site laboratories eliminate these risks entirely (Samsonraj et al., 2017).
Red flags:
- Cells shipped from another country or continent
- "Partner laboratory" (outsourced production)
- Vague about laboratory location
- Cells transported by courier services
What to look for: On-site or immediately adjacent laboratory
Sterling-certified answer: "On-site laboratory at Sterling-certified partner clinics in Bangkok. Cells travel meters from production to guest — not hours by air or road. This proximity preserves viability and enables same-day quality verification."
7. What does your quoted price include?
Why it matters: Medical tourism pricing can be opaque. Hidden costs—accommodation, transfers, meals, additional treatments—can double the apparent price. Clear, all-inclusive pricing reflects organizational integrity.
Red flags:
- "Treatment only" (everything else additional)
- Required follow-ups at extra cost
- Accommodation and meals not included
- Surprise fees for "necessary" add-ons
What to look for: All-inclusive pricing or comprehensive itemized breakdown
Sterling-certified answer: "All-inclusive programs starting with the Discovery program ($5,999). Extended program pricing is disclosed after on-site medical assessment and physician recommendation. All programs include 7 nights at a 5-star luxury hotel, airport transfers, medical consultations, and full treatment. No hidden costs."
8. Are follow-up treatments required? At what cost?
Why it matters: Some clinics employ loss-leader pricing—attracting people with low initial quotes, then pushing expensive "booster" treatments. Ethical providers design protocols that deliver results without ongoing dependence.
Red flags:
- "Booster treatments recommended" at $3,000-$10,000 each
- Pressure to book follow-ups before first treatment
- Vague about medical necessity
- "Results require maintenance doses"
What to look for: Clear follow-up policy with medical justification for any recommendations
Sterling-certified answer: "No required follow-ups. Protocols at Sterling-certified partner clinics are designed to deliver meaningful results in a single visit. Optional follow-up treatments are available for guests seeking additional benefit, but never pressured or presented as necessary."
9. Who is my treating physician?
Why it matters: You deserve qualified physicians, not sales staff or administrators, making medical decisions. Physician credentials and experience directly impact treatment safety and efficacy.
Red flags:
- No specific physician named
- "Medical coordinator" (not a doctor)
- Physician bios not available or verifiable
- Treatment administered by technicians without physician oversight
What to look for: Named, credentialed physicians with relevant specialties and verifiable backgrounds
Sterling-certified answer: "Dr. [Name], Medical Director, [Board Certifications], with [X] years experience in regenerative medicine and [specific relevant experience]. Complete physician bios, credentials, and backgrounds are published and available upon request."
10. What is your complication rate?
Why it matters: All medical procedures carry risk. MSC therapy has demonstrated an excellent safety profile across over 1,000 registered clinical trials (Lalu et al., 2012). Transparency about complications indicates institutional integrity—not perfection, but honesty.
Red flags:
- "We've never had complications" (statistically unlikely)
- "Completely safe" (no medical procedure is)
- Refusal to discuss risks or adverse events
- No systematic adverse event tracking
What to look for: Honest discussion of risks and documented safety record consistent with published literature
Sterling-certified answer: "MSC therapy has an established safety profile supported by extensive clinical trial data. Sterling-certified partner clinics systematically document all adverse events. Complication rates are consistent with published literature, and all risks are discussed openly before any decision is made."
11. Can I see my Certificate of Analysis?
Why it matters: The Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documents cell count, viability percentage, sterility testing, and identity verification for your specific cell batch. It is objective proof of product quality. Refusal to provide it suggests the clinic has something to hide.
Red flags:
- "We don't provide that to guests"
- Generic certificates (not guest-specific)
- "Available after treatment only"
- "Our quality is guaranteed" (without documentation)
What to look for: Guest-specific Certificate of Analysis available for review before treatment
Sterling-certified answer: "Absolutely. Every guest receives their specific Certificate of Analysis before treatment begins. It includes: exact cell count, viability percentage with flow cytometry data, sterility testing results, endotoxin levels, and identity confirmation. Guests are encouraged to review it with the medical team."
12. What is your refund policy?
Why it matters: Medical tourism involves significant financial commitment and logistical planning. A fair refund policy demonstrates respect for guests and confidence in the clinic's screening process.
Red flags:
- No refund policy stated
- "All sales final"
- Vague or non-existent cancellation terms
- Forfeiture of entire payment for any cancellation
What to look for: Clear refund/cancellation policy with reasonable terms and medical contingencies
Sterling-certified answer: "Deposit fully refundable up to 30 days before treatment. If physicians at the partner clinic determine a guest is not an appropriate candidate during the on-site assessment, a full refund is provided including deposit. Sterling-certified partner clinics only treat guests they believe can benefit — this policy reflects that commitment."
How Sterling-Certified Partner Clinics Answer All 12 Questions
Perfect score: 12/12
Downloadable Checklist
Print this checklist and take it to every consultation. Write down the answers you receive. Compare clinics objectively.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ STEM CELL CLINIC EVALUATION CHECKLIST │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Clinic Name: _______________________ Date: ___________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 1: Viability percentage? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 2: Fresh or frozen? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 3: Cell source and donor age? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 4: Cell count guarantee? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 5: Lab certifications? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 6: Lab location? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 7: What's included in quoted price? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 8: Follow-up costs? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 9: Treating physician name and credentials? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 10: Complication rate? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 11: Certificate of Analysis provided? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ ☐ Question 12: Refund/cancellation policy? │
│ Answer: _______________________ │
│ │
│ NOTES: │
│ ________________________________________________ │
│ ________________________________________________ │
│ ________________________________________________ │
│ │
│ OVERALL IMPRESSION: ☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Concerns ☐ Avoid │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘How to Use This Guide
Before Your Consultation
- Print the checklist above
- Research the clinic's website for preliminary answers
- Note any red flags in their marketing materials
- Prepare follow-up questions
During Your Consultation
- Ask all 12 questions systematically
- Document answers verbatim when possible
- Request supporting documentation (certificates, CoA samples)
- Note how confidently and directly answers are given
After Your Consultation
- Compare answers across multiple clinics
- Verify credentials independently
- Request references from past guests when appropriate
- Trust your instincts—evasiveness reveals character
Understanding Common Evasion Tactics
Ready for Transparent Answers?
Sterling Longevity built its partner clinic network on the principle that guests deserve complete information before making healthcare decisions. Sterling-certified partner clinics answer all 12 questions — before you pay anything, before you travel, before you commit.
Begin your assessment and experience the difference transparency makes.
[Begin Your Assessment] — [Download This Guide as PDF] — [Compare Sterling Protocols]