frequently asked

Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services and policies here.

Are all umbilical cord stem cells made equally?

All stem cells are remarkably similar, but how they are processed and cultured can significantly impact their viability. Stem cells are delicate and require careful handling to ensure their quality is not compromised. Inadequate testing and improper use of preservatives, radiation, and chemicals can all result in stem cell death and poor-quality yield.

At RMI, we have our own lab and a team of highly trained professionals to ensure a high viability rate, guaranteeing the most effective stem cells for you. This means you can benefit from both quality and quantity, giving you the best of both worlds.

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How do Stem Cells work?

The key function of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) is their ability to release powerful bioactive molecules that promote healing, reduce inflammation, and regulate the immune system. These molecules can also activate the body’s own stem cells to repair damaged tissues. Despite being donor cells, MSCs are rarely rejected by the immune system, making them a safe and effective option for regenerative therapies. Scientific research continues to show their potential in treating various health conditions and age-related issues.

How do umbilical cord stem cells compare with bone marrow stem cell therapies?

One of the most important differences, and one of the advantages, is that no harvesting is involved in umbilical cord stem cell therapies.

Harvesting MSCs from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue involves a surgical procedure with a needle placed into the bone, abdomen, or other selected areas. It can pose various risks and complications, including chronic pain, nerve damage, infection, organ perforation, and fractures. Also, depending on your age, the quality of stem cells declines rapidly. MSCs harvested later in life harbor the accumulated environmental and aging-related damage, and sometimes, the patient doesn’t have enough tissue to harvest.

Umbilical cord stem cells don’t possess the harvesting risks that bone marrow and adipose tissue have.

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How do you screen the cells for diseases?

On the day of collection, a microbiologist meets with the donor and mother to sign the informed consent, and a blood sample is taken from the donor. Once the umbilical cord is collected, both samples are immediately transported to the lab for processing. The documents are reviewed, and the blood is tested for infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B. If the sample is cleared, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are extracted, briefly expanded, and then frozen for future use. A final quality check ensures the cells can grow and differentiate properly—if not, they are discarded. Because MSCs from umbilical cords are extremely young, they are free from environmental damage that can affect stem cells collected later in life from bone marrow or fat tissue.

How does stem cell therapy compare to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy both promote healing but work in different ways. PRP uses the patient’s own blood platelets, which contain up to 12 growth factors to aid in clotting and tissue repair. In contrast, Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy, sourced from umbilical cord tissue or the patient’s own body, provides over 80 growth factors along with live cells that adapt to the specific needs of damaged tissues. This makes MSC therapy a more advanced and dynamic approach to regeneration and healing.

Is it covered by insurance?

It is important to note that most insurance companies do not cover stem cell therapy. This is primarily because it can take up to a decade for new health treatments to be widely accepted and covered by insurance.

However, there may be some exceptions depending on your medical condition and the specific treatment recommended. The best way to find out is to contact your health insurance provider for information. While stem cell therapy may not be covered, there are instances where other aspects or associated costs may be substituted.

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Is it ethical?

There is a common misconception that stem cells are obtained from aborted embryos or clones, but this is not true. This misinformation was spread through fake news. Consent is given by the mother, and, more importantly, no babies are harmed.

The umbilical cords would otherwise be discarded, making it a safe and ethical source of stem cells.

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Is it safe and legal?

RMI is the only stem cell facility in Costa Rica that is licensed by the Ministry of Health to produce and use expanded Mesenchymal Stem Cells—a process that took seven years to accomplish. This government approval guarantees that we adhere to the highest standards of safety and quality.

Our state-of-the-art, ISO 7-certified lab was established by expert scientists in cell manufacturing and biology. Led by Lab Director Natalia Jimenez, who brings over 15 years of experience in developing highly effective stem cell lines.

Additionally, our dedicated medical and nursing team continuously hone their skills to ensure top-tier patient care. They are committed to supporting both your physical health and emotional well-being every step of the way.

Is it supported by any research?

For decades, hematopoietic stem cells have been successfully used in bone marrow transplants to treat blood cancers and other diseases. Additionally, research on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has grown rapidly. Thousands of studies are exploring how MSCs can help treat autoimmune diseases, reduce inflammation, and repair organ damage. Human trials have tested these cells for conditions affecting muscles and joints, the lungs, nervous system, heart, and immune system. Overall, the research—from early experiments to advanced clinical trials—shows very promising results for regenerative medicine.

What are the benefits?

Umbilical cord stem cell therapy offers several key benefits:
‍Low Rejection Risk:These stem cells lack the specific proteins that typically alert your immune system to foreign cells. Additionally, the treatment process removes all red blood cells from the umbilical cord, making it even less likely that your body will reject the therapy.
‍High Quality and Quantity:When processed in a cutting-edge laboratory, umbilical cord stem cells are not only more viable and able to multiply, but they also come in greater and more consistent numbers compared to similar treatments.
‍Proven Results:A range of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for various conditions. These findings are available online, providing strong evidence of the treatment’s benefits.
‍High Reward with Minimal Risk:Perhaps the most appealing aspect is that you gain significant benefits with very little risk, making this treatment a promising option.This approach combines advanced processing techniques with proven clinical results, offering a safe and effective solution for many patients.

What conditions are treated?

Age-related frailty.
Orthopedic conditions: muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.
Sports injuries.
Neurologic conditions.
Sexual wellness & erectile dysfunction.
Skin care and regeneration.
Diseases with chronic inflammation and autoimmunity mechanisms.

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Where do you get your Stem Cells?

We get our Stem Cells from umbilical cord tissues donated by consenting women who undergo a planned c-section. Donor selection is a crucial process that requires the expertise of a microbiologist.

During this process, the potential donor is contacted and asked several questions to determine their health status (age, vaccination records, addictions, hereditary diseases, among others).

The entire cord collection process is explained to the donor, and they are given detailed information about the informed consent. If the donor meets all the requirements and is still interested in donating, the microbiologist schedules an appointment to collect the umbilical cord on the day of the cesarean section.

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Will it cure me?

It’s important to understand that no medical treatment can guarantee complete healing; that’s just the nature of medicine. It is unethical and inaccurate to claim that a therapy will cure a patient completely. Such claims have created a lot of noise around stem cells, causing more harm than good.

Patients who undergo umbilical stem cell therapy experience health improvements and relief. Still, it cannot be considered a complete cure. The healing power of stem cells is a collaborative effort between the body and the therapy. Therefore, the extent of the improvement depends on various internal and external factors; after all, we are all different people with diverse backgrounds and genetic makeup.

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