Spay & Neuter Stem Cell Collection Process
Enrollment:
After you enroll with VetiCell, we will send a collection kit to your home. Your kit will include all the collection materials needed and a full set of detailed instructions. Please inform your vet in advance of your plans. We are always available to speak directly to you or your Vet to answer any questions.
Collection:
Take this kit to the Vet’s office for the spay/neuter appointment. The vet will place the removed tissues (uterus/ovaries or testes) into the sterile specimen cup provided and complete the Collection Worksheet. They will then give you the sealed collection kit. Note, some clinics may charge a collection and handling fee. We typically pay this fee directly to them and you will not incur this charge
Shipping:
Complete shipping instructions are included in each kit. We provide a prepaid and preaddressed shipping label and package with the kit. You will either drop the package off at the designated courier’s store location, or call the courier for a pickup at the vet’s office. The samples will be delivered to our laboratory early the next morning.
Processing:
We have developed a unique, two-stage method of processing. You can choose to have Stage One only completed initially to save money, or you can have both stages completed to preserve an injection ready therapeutic dose of stem cells.
Stage 1 Processing
Upon arrival at the lab, the sample is inspected and cleaned. The area with the greatest concentration of stem cells is isolated, processed, and infused with a cell protectant. This preparation then undergoes a gradual, hours long, controlled-rate freeze down to -190*C (-350*F). Finally, your pet’s sample is maintained at these ultra-low temperatures in a cryogenic tank. In a freeze this deep, biological activity virtually stops, helping prevent any deterioration of the sample. There is a modest charge, which includes the sample collection and shipping, this Stage One processing, and the first year of storage.
Stage 2 Processing
This stage separates the stem cells from the connective tissues, expanding them into a therapeutic dose, and preparing them in an injectable medium. This typically takes two to three weeks to complete. The stem cells are then shipped to your veterinarian for the infusion/injection. Some owners choose to have the sample fully processed initially. Having the cells frozen in this infusion ready phase would allow for much more prompt treatment should an acute injury occur.