Peripheral Blood Stem Cells — CD34+ Cells from Your Own Blood
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — Haematopoietic stem cells (CD34+) circulate in peripheral blood in very small numbers. They can be collected by a routine blood draw, concentrated, and returned to the patient. Compared with bone marrow harvesting the collection is far less invasive, and the process can be standardised.
How the cells are obtained
- Blood draw, 30–240 mL. Cellon does not use G-CSF or other mobilising agents, which avoids the side effects associated with them.
- Centrifugation and fractionation. Plasma proteins and red cells are removed, leaving the mononuclear layer.
- CD34+ purification. Performed on MFDS-approved equipment within 90 minutes, typically yielding on the order of 1–3 × 10⁶ cells. Yield varies between individuals.
- Administration. Either intradermal microinjection or intravenous infusion, selected per case, under sterile conditions.
Proposed mechanisms
- Paracrine signalling
- The cells secrete growth and immune-regulating factors associated with collagen formation and angiogenesis.
- Homing
- Cells migrate toward inflamed or hypoxic tissue and participate in local repair.
- Immune and anti-inflammatory effect
- Macrophage phenotype shift is associated with reduced chronic inflammation.
These are the mechanisms described in the literature. Individual response varies and no specific outcome is promised.
How PBSC differs from adipose-derived cells
| Item | PBSC (blood-derived) | AD-MSC (adipose-derived) |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Venous blood draw | Local anaesthesia and small-volume liposuction |
| Markers | CD34+, CD45+ | CD73+, CD90+, CD105+ |
| Lineage | Blood and immune cells | Bone, cartilage, fat, dermal fibroblast |
| Collagen stimulation | Mainly paracrine | Paracrine plus partial direct differentiation |
| Cell number | Fewer; concentration required | Larger harvest; suited to expansion culture |
See Adipose-Derived Cultured Stem Cells for the other route.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection | Autologous venous blood, 30–240 mL |
| Mobilising agent | Not used — no G-CSF |
| Processing time | Within 90 minutes, single session |
| Typical yield | Order of 1–3 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells; varies between individuals |
| Administration | Intradermal microinjection or intravenous infusion |
| Combined with | Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (2.0 ATA) and LED immediately after administration |
| Follow-up | Standardised photographic review at 1, 3, and 6 months |
| Regulatory basis | Performed under the Advanced Regenerative Bio Act as a designated institution |
| Directed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist |
How the procedure works
- Consultation — medical history, medication, indication, and regulatory eligibility are reviewed.
- Venous blood draw, comparable to routine blood donation.
- Centrifugation and separation of the mononuclear layer.
- CD34+ purification on MFDS-approved equipment, completed within 90 minutes.
- Administration by the selected route, followed by hyperbaric oxygen and LED session.
- Photographic follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults seeking a cell-based regenerative approach who prefer collection by blood draw rather than by liposuction.
- Limited benefit
- Cell numbers from blood are lower than from adipose tissue and are not suited to large-scale expansion. Where a larger cell quantity or repeated sessions are planned, the adipose route may be more appropriate.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy, active malignancy, active infection, uncontrolled bleeding or clotting disorder, anaemia below the threshold for blood draw, certain autoimmune conditions. Confirmed at consultation.
- Side effects
- Bruising at the draw site, transient flushing, mild swelling at injection sites. Because the cells are the patient's own, immune rejection and graft-versus-host disease risk are very low. All adverse events should be reported to the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is the procedure painful?
The blood draw is comparable to routine blood donation. For injection, topical anaesthetic cream makes it tolerable for most patients.
What is the downtime?
Mild flushing and slight swelling at injection sites, generally settling within a day or two. There is no fixed recovery period.
Why does Cellon not use mobilising agents?
To avoid the side effects associated with them, such as bone pain and malaise. Cellon collects without G-CSF, accepting a lower yield in exchange.
How is this different from adipose-derived stem cell treatment?
Collection route, markers, and cell numbers differ. Blood collection is simpler; adipose collection yields more cells and suits expansion culture. The comparison table above sets out the differences.
Is it safe to use my own cells?
Autologous use avoids immune rejection and graft-versus-host disease. That does not remove procedural risks such as bruising or infection at the injection site.
Is this legally permitted in Korea?
Only at designated institutions. Cellon is a designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine institution. See what the designation means.
How soon are results assessed?
At 1, 3, and 6 months using standardised photography. Response varies between individuals.
Regulatory references
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Related: Advanced Regenerative Medicine Designation
- Related: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy