Choosing Safely: Cellular Therapy in the U.S. vs. Mexico

Cellular therapy options can vary widely across borders—from oversight and quality controls to product handling and documentation. This page helps you compare core differences so you can protect your health and investment.

Cellular Therapy: What Changes Across Borders Before You Travel for Treatment: A Patient’s Guide

At a Glance: Key Differences That Affect Safety & Results

What you want to see

Independent post‑thaw viability data (flow cytometry) for the exact lot used
Cell‑surface markers (e.g., CD90/CD73/CD44) and preserved function after thaw
Validated cryopreservation and thaw‑to‑administration protocols
Transparent donor eligibility and tissue origin documentation
Quality systems and regulatory oversight for the lab

Red flags to avoid

Marketing focused on big cell counts without viability/function data
No independent testing; only pre‑freeze numbers
Vague shipping/thaw handling details
Unclear donor screening or tissue source
Pressure to pay before you receive documentation

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Factor	United States	Mexico
Regulatory environment	Products and labs typically operate under defined U.S. oversight frameworks (e.g., FDA registration/inspection where applicable; CLIA for certain testing labs).	Oversight can vary by region and provider. Standards may differ from U.S. norms and are not always equivalent or transparent.
Verification of product quality	Independent post‑thaw viability and marker testing are more commonly documented and shareable on request.	Documentation quality varies. Some clinics provide robust data; others provide limited or pre‑freeze counts only.
Handling & logistics	Validated cryopreservation and thaw‑recovery protocols are expected; last‑mile handling procedures are standardized within many systems.	Protocols can differ significantly; patients should ask for specific thaw‑to‑administration steps to protect viability.
Product consistency	Lot‑based testing and batch documentation are often available.	Consistency depends on the individual supplier; ask for lot‑specific reports.
Pricing vs. value	Often higher per‑treatment cost, but greater transparency and documentation can improve value.	Pricing may be lower, but value depends on verifiable viability/function data—not advertised cell counts.
Patient recourse	Clearer legal/consumer protections and complaint pathways within the U.S. system.	Recourse can be more complex across borders; due diligence is critical before travel.

Note: High‑quality or low‑quality programs can exist in any country. The goal is to verify, not assume.

Why Viability After Thaw Is Non‑Negotiable

Viability is the percentage of living, functional cells present after thaw—not at harvest. Only living cells can signal, release growth factors, and modulate inflammation. Dead cells and debris have no therapeutic value and may provoke inflammatory reactions.

Quality indicators

Post‑thaw viability often ≥ ~70% for well‑preserved products
Markers (e.g., CD90/CD73/CD44) confirm identity
Functional assays support immunomodulatory activity

Common pitfalls

Viability data < ~50% or unavailable
Counts padded with non‑therapeutic cells
Pre‑freeze numbers used as marketing without post‑thaw proof

Ask for These Documents (Wherever You Go)

Documentation	Why It Matters	What to Watch For
Post‑thaw viability (independent flow cytometry)	Shows the % of living cells actually delivered	No independent data; only pre‑freeze numbers
Marker panel & functional testing	Confirms cell identity and preserved function after thaw	Missing markers; unexpected cell populations
Cryopreservation & thaw protocols	Indicates validated methods that protect cells through administration	Vague steps; refusal to share handling details
Donor eligibility & tissue origin	Confirms screening, traceability, and ethical sourcing	Incomplete screening; unclear or shifting sources
Lab quality/oversight information	Signals adherence to quality systems and inspections	Cannot describe oversight or quality controls

Tip: Ask for the lot‑specific report for your treatment—not a generic brochure.

Before You Travel for Treatment

Plan & protect

Request all documentation in advance and review it with a trusted clinician
Clarify total cost, what’s included, and refund policies
Understand follow‑up care and who manages complications
Have a written plan for emergencies and continuity of care when you return

Practical risks

Limited recourse if expectations aren’t met
Travel stress immediately before/after treatment
Difficulty verifying last‑mile handling and storage

Quick Answers (FAQs)

Do more cells always mean better results?

No. Results depend on how many living, functional cells are delivered after thaw—not the biggest number in an ad.

What’s a good viability number?

It varies by product and method. Many quality programs target post‑thaw viability around or above ~70%, with functional evidence to match.

Can I find high‑quality options in either country?

Yes. High or low quality can exist anywhere. The key is verification: ask for lot‑specific, post‑thaw data and handling details.

Key Takeaways

Verify post‑thaw viability and function—don’t rely on cell‑count marketing
Request lot‑specific documentation and clear handling protocols
Consider legal protections, follow‑up care, and total value—not just price

Educational content only; not medical advice or an endorsement of any specific product or provider. No statements herein have been evaluated by the FDA. Any biologic or cellular products described are not approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.