Frequently Asked Questions
Generally asked questions
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the body’s building blocks — undifferentiated cells that can replicate, renew themselves, and become specialised cell types (like blood, muscle, bone, or nerve cells). They are found in umbilical cord blood and tissue, bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, and other sources.
What can stem cells be used for?
Stem cells are already used in treating over 80 diseases, including blood cancers, immune disorders, and inherited conditions. They also show great promise in regenerative therapies for injuries, degenerative diseases, and chronic inflammation.
Can my baby be cloned using stored stem cells?
No — cloning a human being is both ethically prohibited and scientifically unachievable using current technology. CryoSave does not engage in any cloning practices. Stem cell storage is strictly for ethical, medical therapies aligned with international regulations and approved research.
Who can use stored stem cells?
Stored stem cells may be used by the individual they came from or a close biological relative, depending on compatibility. For example, a baby’s stem cells are a 100% match for themselves and have a 25% chance of being a full match for siblings.
How safe are stem cell treatments?
Approved therapies using stem cells have decades of clinical use behind them. Like all medical treatments, safety depends on the condition, compatibility, and application. All treatments offered or supported by CryoSave are regulated and conducted by qualified specialists.
What’s the difference between approved therapies and clinical trials?
Approved therapies are recognised treatments currently in use. Clinical trials explore future applications still under study. Both are valuable, but trials come with additional risks and are only offered through registered research centres.
Baby Stem Cells (Umbilical Cord & Tissue)
What is cord blood?
Cord blood is the blood remaining in your baby’s umbilical cord and placenta after birth. It’s rich in haematopoietic stem cells, which can regenerate the blood and immune system.
What is cord tissue?
Cord tissue surrounds the blood vessels in the umbilical cord and contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells support tissue repair and are used in regenerative applications like orthopaedics and wound healing.
What’s the difference between cord blood and cord tissue stem cells?
Stem cells are collected immediately after birth, once the cord is clamped and cut. The process is safe, quick (under 10 minutes), and does not affect your birth plan or the baby in any way.
Is the collection process safe?
Yes. It is completely non-invasive and painless for both mother and baby.
What happens after the collection?
The samples are placed back into the CryoSave collection kit, collected by our courier, and sent to our AABB-accredited laboratory. There, they are tested, processed, and cryogenically preserved under strict protocols.
How long can stem cells be stored?
Global research confirms viability for over 20 years when stored under proper cryogenic conditions — and likely longer.
Why should I store my baby’s stem cells?
It gives your child access to a powerful biological tool — for known treatments today and emerging regenerative therapies tomorrow. It’s a one-time opportunity that could offer peace of mind for life.
Adult Stem Cells (Adipose-Derived)
What are adult stem cells?
Adult stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from fat tissue, support healing, reduce inflammation, and encourage regeneration of damaged tissue. They are key in regenerative medicine today.
How are adult stem cells collected?
Via a simple outpatient procedure performed by a medical professional. A small amount of fat is harvested and sent to our lab for processing and long-term storage.
What are adult stem cells used for?
They’re being studied — and in some cases used — in therapies for:
- Orthopaedic injuries (cartilage, ligament)
- Autoimmune conditions (MS, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Diabetes (Types 1 & 2)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Stroke recovery
- Wound and burn healing
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary disease
Are these treatments approved?
Many applications are in clinical trial phases, while others — particularly in orthopaedics and cosmetic medicine — are already used by registered professionals. CryoSave only stores cells for use in approved and regulated therapies.
Can I store my own stem cells now for future use?
Yes. That’s the benefit of adult stem cell banking — collecting and preserving your own cells now for future personalised therapies.
Who qualifies for adult stem cell collection?
Most healthy adults do. Our team will consult with you before scheduling a collection to ensure you’re an ideal candidate.