Patient guides
Stem Cell Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Clinic
A printable question set for comparing clinic answers.
Use the same questions with each clinic. Clear, written answers make comparisons more useful than comparing treatment names or promotional claims.
The treatment and its evidence
- What is my diagnosis, and what is the proposed goal?
- What standard alternatives should I consider?
- What exactly is collected or supplied: marrow, fat, blood, donor cells or cell-free material?
- What processing is performed, and are cells expanded in culture?
- What is the administration route and planned number of sessions?
- Which published studies match this product, route and diagnosis?
- What is the approval or research status of this exact use?
Begin with your own priorities
Before the consultation, write down the change that would matter most to you. Describe what the concern means in your daily life, what you have already tried and what you are hoping to understand. This gives the clinician a more useful starting point than a treatment name alone.
You may also have limits around time away from home, caring responsibilities, recovery or cost. Bring these into the discussion early. Ask which parts of your goal the proposed treatment could reasonably address, and which it could not.
Include someone you trust, if you wish
A partner, family member or trusted friend can help you remember questions and compare what different clinics say. Ask whether they can join the consultation. Take written notes and request an English summary of the proposal so you have time to review it afterwards.
You can discuss the proposal with your usual clinician before making a commitment. Ask the clinic to explain anything that remains unclear rather than trying to make a decision during a brief or rushed conversation.
The team and the safeguards
- Who assesses suitability and performs each step?
- What are the main risks and reasons not to proceed?
- What quality and sterility checks apply?
- Where would I receive emergency care?
- What written consent and treatment records will I receive?
The practical commitment
- What is included in the quote, and what may cost extra?
- How long must I stay locally, and when is travel appropriate for me?
- Who provides follow-up after I return home?
- How will outcomes and adverse events be measured?
- What are the cancellation and refund terms?
Take time to consider the answers with your usual clinician. An unanswered question is useful information; it is not a reason to fill the gap with an assumption.
Sources and further reading
- ISSCR — Patient resourcesSource checked 9 October 2026.
- ASGCT — Unproven stem cell productsSource checked 9 October 2026.