Adult Stem Cell Banking
Procedure
Adipose (Fat) Banking Procedure
Netcells is able to store your valuable mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) extracted from your own adipose (fat) tissue. This will be done in collaboration with your chosen plastic surgeon/ aesthetic doctor who is able to do the liposuction procedure on you and provide us with your adipose tissue.
1. Registration
You will need to register by completing a Client Registration Form. You may complete the Registration Form on the website or alternatively contact us on (011) 697 2900 or info@redermis.co.za. A unique Client Registration Number will be issued to you, which secures you a specific place in the storage vault. Full payment is required on registration.
2. Collection of Adipose (Fat) Tissue
Your adipose tissue will be collected by your doctor during a liposuction procedure. This procedure will be done under local or general anaesthetic and about 100ml of adipose tissue needs to be collected for the Stem Cell storage procedure. Details surrounding this procedure must be discussed with your doctor.
On the day of the liposuction procedure, you will also have to give about 50-100ml of blood that will be sent to the Netcells laboratory with the collect adipose tissue. Serum extracted from this blood sample is necessary for the processing of the Stem Cells.
Once you have registered, Netcells will make contact with your designated doctor and will send the necessary collection containers prior to the liposuction procedure.
3. Blood Tests
According to regulatory requirements, it is necessary that each patient that stores their adipose tissue and blood serum with Netcells have an HIV, Hepatitis B and C blood test prior to storing. Your doctor will assist you in having these tests done. Please note that the cost of the tests is for your own account and these are not included in the storage price.
4. Courier
Once the liposuction procedure has been done, the adipose tissue is transport to the Netcells Laboratory in Midrand, Johannesburg by a medical courier. This will be arranged by Netcells in collaboration with your doctor.
5. Processing
On receipt at the laboratory, the adipose tissue sample is logged into the management system through its unique Client Registration Number and is bar-coded, to ensure traceability at all times.
The adipose tissue is processed by our laboratory technicians and the Stem Cells are isolated.
These cells are then put into culture media for a couple of days to allow them to expand in number.
6. Storage procedure
After about 5 days, the Stem Cells are removed from culture, cryopreserved to a temperature of -1960C and stored in specialised vials until needed.
7. Retrieval
When the Stem Cells are required to be used in a therapy, your doctor will have to notify Netcells of your intended treatment at least 2 weeks in advance. The Stem Cells will then be retrieved from storage, thawed and undergo further processing to produce the therapeutic to be administered. The therapeutic will be transported to your doctor’s rooms on the day of administration.