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.

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.