OUR SERVICES
StemLifeLine is proud to offer a unique service to individuals who have undergone in vitro fertilization. Until now, there have been only three options for embryos remaining after individual childbearing needs have been fulfilled. They could be donated to research, donated to other couples or discarded. We provide a fourth option for these embryos which is to generate stem cell lines that can one day be used to create therapies.
StemLifeLine derives and cryopreserves stem cells from remaining stored embryos. Derivation of stem cell lines from human embryos is a highly sophisticated and delicate process which requires state-of-the-art cell culture facilities and a skilled staff.
Derivation basics
Stem cell derivation is a process that takes several months and entails isolating, growing and characterizing the stem cells from the embryo. Through the derivation process, StemLifeLine preserves the viability of the cells within the embryo by growing them as stem cells. The embryos are essentially transformed into the resulting stem cell lines.
To ensure the highest quality of the resulting stem cell lines, StemLifeLine’s specialists perform all steps of the derivation process under strictly controlled and sterile conditions that follow current good tissue practices (cGTP). cGTPs provide guidelines for the clean environment and conditions in which stem cells are derived and cultured. We have developed highly efficient freezing protocols and own a dedicated facility for the long-term cryopreservation of the derived stem cell lines.
Once the stem cells undergo a rigorous quality assessment, StemLifeLine cryopreserves the cells for future use by the owners. The stem cell line is then stored in a dedicated StemLifeLine cryogenic facility.
StemLifeLine offers its services exclusively through fertility clinics. If you are interested in learning more, please share your interest and our contact and website information with your physician or clinic. If your physician does not currently provide our services, you may contact us directly via phone or email. Our 24 hour phone line is (650) 592-STEM (7836), please leave a message with your contact information. Via email, please contact info@stemlifeline.com. For more information visit the Getting Started page.
We recommend that our clients commit multiple remaining embryos to this process to ensure high probability for the successful derivation of a stem cell line. Throughout the process your fertility clinic will keep you informed of our progress. You may also inquire about the status of your cells by contacting us directly at any time. Once we have derived and cryopreserved your stem cell line, we will provide you with detailed documentation of the derivation process and stem cell characterization.
