ACT at ALIV: Your Most Important Questions Answered | ALIV

After more than a decade of offering ACT at ALIV's Pune and Mumbai clinics, the clinical team has heard thousands of patient questions. The most important ones come up consistently — across conditions, ages, and backgrounds. This article compiles the questions that matter most, with the honest, complete answers that reflect ALIV's clinical experience and commitment to transparency.

About the Treatment Itself

Can I eat normally before the procedure?

For procedures under local anaesthesia only, a light meal two to three hours before is appropriate — no extended fasting required. For procedures where sedation may be used, standard pre-anaesthetic fasting guidelines apply (six hours for solids, two hours for clear fluids). Your specific fasting instruction is confirmed at the pre-ACT consultation and in your procedure-day instructions. See: complete pre-procedure guide.

Will I feel the bone marrow aspiration?

Under adequate local anaesthesia, most patients feel pressure during the aspiration — not sharp pain. The periosteal anaesthesia (bone surface numbing) is the most important step and takes five to ten minutes to work completely. The aspiration itself takes five to ten minutes once local anaesthesia is established. Post-procedure soreness at the iliac crest for one to three days is expected. Mild procedural sedation is available for patients with significant anxiety about the procedure — arrange this at the pre-ACT consultation.

Is there any risk that the procedure makes my condition worse?

A temporary worsening of joint or localised symptoms in the first three to seven days post-ACT — particularly for intra-articular applications — is a recognised and expected pattern, not a sign of worsening disease. This post-injection inflammatory response typically resolves spontaneously. Permanent worsening of the underlying condition from ACT has not been a documented pattern in ALIV's patient cohort. The harvest procedure carries standard minor-procedure risks; serious adverse events are rare. See: ACT safety profile.

How many sessions are typically in a course?

This varies by condition and protocol. Many musculoskeletal and single-system conditions involve one primary ACT administration. Neurological and systemic conditions often involve two to three administrations at defined intervals as the initial course — sometimes IV and targeted administration combined. The exact protocol for your specific condition is determined at the pre-ACT consultation and communicated in writing before you commit to treatment.

About Results

What percentage of patients see a meaningful response?

Response rates vary significantly by condition and stage. For moderate knee OA: approximately 70–75% of appropriately selected patients report meaningful improvement at six months in ALIV's clinical experience. For neurological conditions (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's): approximately 40–60% show meaningful improvement in at least one key outcome measure — less than musculoskeletal conditions, reflecting the more complex neurodegenerative biology. For liver conditions: approximately 65% show meaningful LFT improvement at three months. These are observational data from ALIV's patient cohort — not controlled trial statistics — and individual variation is always significant.

If I don't respond, will I get a refund?

ACT at ALIV is charged for the clinical procedure, the laboratory processing, and the clinical team's time — all of which are invested regardless of the individual biological response. Non-response does not entitle to a refund, in the same way that a surgical procedure fee is not refunded if the surgical outcome is suboptimal. ALIV's honest candidacy assessment and realistic outcome framing before the procedure are the patient's primary protections — understanding and accepting the biological uncertainty of a regenerative medicine procedure is part of the informed consent process.

About Long-Term Management

Will I need ACT for the rest of my life?

For acute or post-injury applications (sports injury, wound healing) — ACT is typically a one-time or short-course intervention for a defined healing goal. For chronic progressive conditions (OA, Parkinson's, liver disease) — periodic repeat courses at twelve to eighteen month intervals are the typical long-term picture for patients who respond well, as part of an ongoing condition management strategy. See: when to consider a repeat ACT course.

Can ACT be done privately if I am also receiving NHS or government hospital care for my condition?

Yes — ACT at ALIV is provided privately and does not affect or require changes to public or government hospital care for the underlying condition. We recommend transparency with the treating government or hospital specialist about any additional treatments being pursued, and ALIV is happy to provide documentation of the ACT programme for any specialist who wishes to be informed. Communication between ALIV and other treating clinicians, with patient consent, produces better coordinated care.