Disclosed are viable cell compositions and related methods of preparation, maintenance and use. The viable cell composition can contain specified levels of cells, hydroxy ethyl starch, and dimethylsulf oxide, and can be cryopreserved. The cryopreserved form of the composition can be thawed and combined with an aqueous liquid diluting medium to prepare a diluted viable cell composition that can contain specified, reduced levels of the dimethylsulfoxide and hydroxyethyl starch. The diluting medium can contain trehalose. The prepared, diluted viable cell composition can be administered to a patient.