Menstrual Stem Cell FAQs

What are menstrual stem cells?
Menstrual stem cells are highly proliferative stem cells found in the menstrual blood produced during a woman's period. The stem cells possess the unique ability to develop into various other types of healthy cells. During a woman's menstrual cycle, valuable stem cells are discarded in the menstrual blood. The Cryo-Cell Menstrual Stem Cell Service easily captures these self-renewing stem cells and then processes and cryopreserves them for emerging cellular therapies and the potential treatment of many life threatening diseases.

Menstrual stem cells have similar regenerative capabilities as stem cells from umbilical cord blood or bone marrow. The Cryo-Cell Menstrual Stem Cell Service offers any woman in her reproductive years the ability to store and preserve these cells for herself or potentially for use by a family member, free from ethical or political controversy.

What is the source of menstrual stem cells?
The menstrual stem cells come from a woman's endometrium, or lining of the uterus, which is part of the menstrual fluid naturally shed during each menstrual cycle.

What is unique about a woman's menstrual blood versus blood extracted from her arm?
While most blood stem cells reside in the bone marrow, a very small number are present in the bloodstream and the quantity may not be sufficient to support therapeutic application. In contrast, a woman's menstrual blood includes cells shed from the endometrial lining of the uterus which potentially contains hundreds of millions of rich and abundant cells that can possibly be procured, processed, isolated, and cryopreserved. Ultimately, these stem cells may potentially be differentiated into many other cell types, which could possibly serve as a source for a wide range of regenerative therapies ranging from cardiac disease to diabetes, to anti-aging and wellness applications.

What properties has the cell shown?
Menstrual blood contains unique stem cells that express cell surface markers of both adult and embryonic stem cells. These menstrual cells multiply quickly and can differentiate into other types of cells including heart, nerve, bone, cartilage and fat, according to early research. This is the first time researchers have found an adult stem cell that is recurring and readily accessible; can multiply rapidly and has demonstrated capability to differentiate into many other cell types. The menstrual stem cell can be easily harvested in an affordable, painless and non-invasive manner, as compared to other stem cell sources such as bone marrow, fat or adult peripheral blood.

How are the menstrual stem cells different from other stem cells, such as cord blood stem cell or embryonic stem cells?
The menstrual stem cells have shown to be an adult stem cell, but contains many of the same properties associated with both embryonic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, such as those found in bone marrow. The source of menstrual stem cells, menstrual fluid, is considered to be waste product and is routinely discarded. Unlike cord blood stem cells or stem cells from bone marrow, for example, menstrual stem cells can rapidly expand its numbers in cell culture, as well as differentiate into many other cell types. Furthermore, these menstrual stem cells can be collected as often as a woman has her menstrual period, making the collection of a large number of stem cells possible over time.

Are there any published studies about menstrual stem cells and their uses?
Since the discovery of menstrual stem cells, Cryo-Cell has made major advances in the study of this unique stem cell and in the commercialization of processes associated with its procurement, processing, isolation and cryopreservation. For example, Cryo-Cell collaborating with Dr.'s Paul Sanberg, USF Vice President for Research and Innovation and Director of the USF Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair and Cesar Borlongan, Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair at University of South Florida, along with other independent research laboratories, to study these menstrual stem cells, which have demonstrated the capability in vitro to differentiate into neural, cardiac, bone, cartilage and adipose cells and possibly other cell types. Preliminary findings were presented in November 2008, at the Scientific Symposium of the Society of Neuroscience in Washington, DC, in a seminar entitled "Menstrual blood display stem cell phenotypic markers and exert neuroprotection in experimental stroke." There are also numerous published studies discussing stem cells with many of the same properties of menstrual stem cells, although these referenced stem cells are often not nearly as prolific, easy to differentiate, harvest or as non-controversial, as the menstrual stem cell. You can read about these studies by going to www.cryo-cell.com and click on Resource section and select Research & Stem Cell News.

Are there any therapies available that use menstrual stem cells?
At present, there are no approved therapies using menstrual stem cells for diseases, but two FDA-approved clinical trials have been initiated in China through our affiliate, S-Evans Biosciences (SEB) studying Type I Diabetes and cirrohosis of the liver. Many pre-clinical studies have been initiated assessing cell functionality in models of stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, chronic wound healing, urinary incontinence and heart disease.

What is the first anticipated therapeutic use of menstrual stem cells?
Realistically, it may take several years before there are widely available clinical therapies using menstrual stem cells. We anticipate, however, that there may possibly be intensive global research and development initiatives into the therapeutic uses of menstrual stem cells undertaken on a number of potential therapeutic fronts. Due to the variable and unknown factors involved in research involving human disease and the biological nature of stem cells, it is not possible at this time to say with certainty when the first therapeutic use of menstrual stem cells will occur.

How are menstrual stem cells collected, processed and stored?
The menstrual blood is collected in your physician's office with a proprietary kit developed by Cryo-Cell. Samples are collected during a woman's menstrual period by using a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup in place of a tampon or sanitary napkin. It is then shipped to Cryo-Cell via medical courier and processed in our state-of-the-art ISO Class 7 clean room. The cells are stored in two cryovials which are overwrapped to safeguard the cells during storage and a technique called "controlled-rate freezing" is used to prepare the cells for long-term storage. The overwrapped storage vials are housed in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen for cryogenic preservation. Our storage facilities are monitored 24 hours/day, 365 days/year for security and temperature, keeping your specimen safe and ready for potential future use.

Is the menstrual cup safe to use?
The menstrual cup has been used by women since the 1930's. The menstrual cup used in the collection kit, is a medical-grade silicone cup and has never been involved with an adverse event such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS) during its many years on the market.

How many collections of menstrual fluid are required?
The collection process requires one collection of menstrual fluid that will be placed into a container with media. In addition, peripheral blood is required for infectious disease testing.

Why is there infectious disease testing? What is it being tested for? What happens if the results are positive?
Infectious disease testing of cells for cyrogenic storage and future therapeutic use is required by federal regulation and by several states. The peripheral blood will be tested for the presence of infectious disease agents, such as HIV (AIDS) and the Hepatitis B virus. Should your specimen test positive for any infectious disease, you will be notified personally and privately, and you will be directed to see your healthcare provider for confirmatory blood testing. We will also report positive infectious disease results to your physician indicated at enrollment.

When is the best time during my period to collect the specimens?
The specimens should be collected during the heaviest flow of your menstrual period.

How much menstrual fluid should be collected for each specimen?
Depending on every woman's menstrual flow, the menstrual cup should be retained for 1-4 hours, but no longer than 4 hours. The menstrual fluid that is collected, usually about one teaspoon, is to be used for one specimen.

If I cannot collect the required amount, is a small specimen usable?
The flow of menstrual fluid varies from day to day during the menstrual period, and is not constant. For best results, your menstrual fluid should be collected on the heaviest day of your menstrual cycle. Generally, a somewhat smaller specimen may be used. Our laboratory will inform you upon the receipt and processing of the specimen, if sufficient menstrual stem cells were present.

Does the collection container need to be refrigerated before and after the physician collects the specimen?
The collection container with the media should be placed in the refrigerator until 30 minutes before the time of collection. The foam freezer bricks that are included with the kit, should be placed in the freezer as soon as the kit is received. Once the menstrual blood is collected and placed in the container, it should be refrigerated until it's ready for shipment. The physician will also draw three vials of peripheral blood for infectious disease testing. After both specimens have been collected, return the specimens to Cryo-Cell using the original collection kit box as well as the cooling packs, which are to be kept in the freezer until the specimens have been sent. Please ensure that the collection container itself is NEVER frozen before or after collection.

How long after the collection of the specimen do I have until I have to send the the specimen to Cryo-Cell?
For best results, the collected specimen should arrive at Cryo-Cell's laboratory within 24 hours of collection. Cryo-Cell has a special agreement with a medical courier service to pick up your specimen(s) at your physician's office or your home and deliver it to our facility at a flat rate fee. You may arrange for the transport of your specimen(s) by simply calling our Cryo-Cell Transportation Coordinator 24/7 at 1-800-786-7235, option 2.

How long does it take to process and preserve my menstrual stem cells once my specimens are received by Cryo-Cell?
Once your menstrual specimen is received, it is processed by our laboratory. Processing generally will be completed within approximately 48 hours from time of receipt.

What happens if the menstrual stem cells sent are not successfully processed? Do I receive a refund?
If your menstrual blood cannot be successfully processed, Cryo-Cell may send you another collection kit for a $50 fee, you will be responsible for additional processing fees if another collection is requested.

How long can the menstrual stem cells be cryogenically stored and still be viable?
Stem cells have been cryogenically stored for more than 21 years, and viability studies have demonstrated no deterioration out to 23.5 years in a study performed at the University of Indiana under a world renowned cord blood researcher, Dr. Hal Broxymeyer. It is therefore reasonable to expect that under carefully monitored cryogenic conditions, such as those maintained at the Cryo-Cell storage facility; your menstrual stem cells will remain viable and ready for use over several years, and possibly indefinitely.

Is it possible to collect and store menstrual stem cells more than one time?
Absolutely! One of the distinctive features of the menstrual stem cells versus other types of stem cells is the ability for a woman to collect them for preservation every time she has a menstrual period. Cryo-Cell offers special pricing plans for women who would like to collect more than one menstrual specimen. Since it is unknown as to how many stem cells may be required for various therapies that we anticipate may possibly emerge in the future, and also because the menstrual stem cells may potentially be used to treat other family members, women should consider preserving their menstrual stem cells as often as they are able to, while they are healthy and this precious source of their stem cells is available. Please see our pricing plans at www.cyro-cell.com for more information.

Where can I learn more about menstrual stem cells?
It's fast and easy to inform yourself about the benefits of menstrual stem cells! Just go to www.cryo-cell.com, where you can learn about the menstrual stem cell service, search scientific literature, enroll, and keep up to date on the latest menstrual stem cell news. Everything you need is there!

How much does collecting, processing and storing my menstrual stem cells cost?
Click here for more details and to subscribe.

I'm ready to collect my menstrual stem cells; how do I enroll?
Do not procrastinate, do it now. Be among the first to subscribe to this ground-breaking service that may possibly benefit you or a family member in the future. Enrolling in the menstrual stem cell service couldn't be easier. Simply call 1-800-786-7235.

Why should I enroll in the menstrual stem cell service?
As the human body ages each month, the robustness and functionality of our stem cells deteriorates over time. For the first time ever, women who want to invest in their individual and family's future health can take action today, by enrolling in the ground-breaking menstrual stem cell service, while they are in optimal health and have access to their menstrual stem cells. This service offers women who menstruate the opportunity to potentially protect themselves and possibly even other family members, against a broad spectrum of potencial diseases for which regenerative medicine therapies may be developed in the future. If there are medical conditions that may affect you or possibly other family members, you should act today to enroll in the menstrual stem cell service--it's easy, convenient, and this unique investment in your personal and family's healthcare may potentially return significant dividends in the future! No matter what your age, the right time is today!

Who may potentially benefit from my menstrual stem cells?
Preliminary research related to the immunological profile of these unique menstrual stem cells suggest that in addition to the donor, these stem cells may also potentially be used to possibly benefit other family members who are genetically related to the donor, such as perhaps a parent, sibling or child. Of course, the menstrual stem cells you collect are an exact match for the donor and therefore may potentially be used in a number of future therapies that may benefit the individual donor.

How long should I wait after having a baby to store my menstrual stem cells?
You should wait to collect your menstrual stem cells until you return to having normal menstrual periods. The time for each woman may vary due to various factors such as, for example, like breast-feeding. It is important to remember that every woman is different.

How will I know that my menstrual stem cells were successfully processed by Cryo-Cell? Will I be informed as to how many cells were harvested?
Cryo-Cell will send you an official certificate 4-6 weeks post-processing informing you of the amount of collection and menstrual stem cells harvested. If for any reason your sample could not be processed, the laboratory will notify you within a week of receipt and the amount of $195 will be charged for a not-processed sample. For best processing results, collection should be made on your heaviest menstrual flow day.

How can I give the gift of menstrual stem cell preservation to a relative or friend?
Menstrual stem cell preservation is perhaps the most special and meaningful gift anyone could ever give or receive in their lifetime! To order a gift certificate, please call Cryo-Cell at 1-800-786-7235.

How can I enroll in the menstrual stem cell service if my periods are irregular?
Once you've decided to enroll and register in the menstrual stem cell service, you will be asked to indicate the date on which you would like to receive your kit - up to two days from current date. If your perionds are irregular, you can still receive your kit during your period using this method.

Will I receive periodic updates on progress on menstrual stem cells research and development?
Updates on menstrual stem cells research and development will be posted regularly on our website under Menstrual Stem Cell Research.

What laboratory and manufacturing accreditations does Cryo-Cell have?
Cryo-Cell operates a state-of-the-art laboratory facility that is FDA registered, cGMP-/cGTP-compliant and is licensed in all states that require licensure. In addition to our AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) industry accreditation, we are ISO 9001:2008 certified by BSI (British Standards Institution), a leading global business services organization that provides independent, third-party certification of management systems. Our combined list of licenses and accreditations has established Cryo-Cell as one of the industry leaders.

What are the benefits of cryopreserving menstrual stem cells more than once?
Although stem cell research and development is a relatively new scientific field, stem cell transplants have been utilized since 1988 and there have been over 45,000 stem cell transplants annually worldwide using cells from bone marrow, mobilized peripheral blood and cord blood¹. With progress in global research and development, many breakthrough therapies and applications may likely emerge over the next several years that could potentially utilize menstrual cells for yourself or a loved one. With such a highly precious and personal resource that could have multiple benefits, there are compelling reasons to consider cryopreserving your menstrual stem cells frequently. If you're interested in collecting more than a minimum of menstrual stem cells, consider several menstrual stem cells collections!

Are there any health risks associated with collecting the specimen?
There are no known health risks associated with the collection of the menstrual stem cells.

If I enroll in your menstrual stem cell service and I become pregnant, am I eligible to store my baby's umbilical cord blood and cord tissue at a returning client price with Cryo-Cell?
Yes, of course! You would be eligible to participate in our umbilical cord blood and cord tissue service as a returning client and lock-in special returning client savings.

1. Horowitz MM. Uses and Growth of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. In: Blume KG, Forman SJ, Appelbaum FR, eds. Thomas' Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. 3rd ed. Malden, Mass: Blackwell; 2004:9-15.

Cryo-Cell’s activities for New York State residents are limited to collection, processing, and long-term storage of menstrual stem cells. Cryo-Cell’s possession of a New York State license for such collection, processing and long-term storage does not indicate approval or endorsement of possible future uses or future suitability of these cells.