Methods are described to obtain adipose tissue for cell isolation, under adverse isolation conditions whereby no scientific controls were in place. Such methods could be used by laboratories of institutions where controlled environments (surgery rooms, abattoirs) are not available. While not ideal, we show that a variety of adipocytes and adipocyte-like cells may be isolated from such methods. These types of procedures may facilitate a greater number of persons entering into the research arena with adipocytes, and are easily adaptable to other animal models.