Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are stem cells?
Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth.

What are the functions of stem cells?
Stem cells serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

Where are adult stem cells found?
Adult stem cells can be found in many organs and tissues. There is normally limited number of stem cells in tissues from the liver, heart, blood vessels, peripheral blood etc. Highest number of stem cells can be found in the bone marrow stroma.

What is the alternative source for stem cells if my bone marrow is insufficient?
Stem cells from peripheral blood may be isolated if the bone marrow is insufficient.

What is Stem Cell Therapy (SCT)?
Stem Cell Therapy (SCT) involves the introduction of stem cells isolated from the patient's body into damaged tissue in order to regenerate the damaged tissue or cells.

What does NiSCELL do with my sample?
NiSCELL isolates the stem cells from the patient's bone marrow and send it back for transfusion on the same day.



Does NiSCELL expand stem cells?
No, NiSCELL only isolates bone marrow stem cells.

Can it be used for other types of diseases?
NiSCELL uses stem cells for the following diseases: Spinal cord injury, heart disease, liver cirrhosis and peripheral vascular disease. Based on the treating physician's request, we shall isolate the stem cells to treat a broad spectrum of disease. Are there any side effects? Bone marrow transplantation has been in clinical applications for more than 40 years. SCT is safe as it uses patient's own stem cells and therefore, no risk of rejection. There is also no ethical controversy, unlike using allogeneic stem cells (e.g. stem cells from another person).

How many transfusions do I require?
The transfusion is determined on a case-to-case basis.  

Can I receive SCT along with treatments?
Yes, SCT can be received along with other treatments.

What are the precautions done to ensure product safety?
1. Endotoxin test to check for harmful endotoxin produced by bacteria or fungi.
2. Microbial test to check for bacterial or fungal contamination.
3. Flow Cytometry analysis ensures that stem cells have been isolated for transfusion to the patient.  

Whom do I contact for SCT?
Contact your referring physician or contact NiSCELL for SCT services. If the referring physician does not have the facility, NiSCELL will recommend the patient to itscollaborating hospitals providing SCT services.

What should my physician do?
The physician will access if you are suitable for SCT and NiSCELL will process the sample for SCT.  

Can I contact/ visit NiSCELL personally?
Yes, NiSCELL will refer you to their collaborating hospitals for the physician to access if you are suitable for SCT and NiSCELL will process the sample for SCT.

Does SCT require admission to the hospital?
Yes, the patient has to be admitted for bone marrow aspiration and for the transplantation of isolated stem cells back into the patient.

Does NiSCELL use other types of stem cells?
NiSCELL uses only autologous stem cells isolated from the patient's bone marrow or peripheral blood. NiSCELL does not work on embryonic stem cells, cord blood stem cells and allogeneic stem cells.