The present invention provides novel stem cell compositions having significanttherapeutic and practical advantages, as well as methods of preparing andusing such compositions for the treatment and prevention of injury and diseasein patients. The invention may be applied to stem cell populations isolatedfrom a wide variety of animals, including humans, and tissues. In particularapplications, the invention is used to prepare a stem cell composition from acollagen-based tissue, such as adipose tissue, isolated from a patient, andthe stem cell composition is subsequently provided to a site of actual orpotential injury in the patient. The invention further includes related kitscomprising the stem cell compositions, which are remarkably stable and retainviability and efficacy during storage and shipment.
