Methods for determining a degree of pluripotency in a first putative stem cell relative to a second putative stem cell are provided. In some embodiments the methods include comparing the imprinting status in the first versus the second putative stem cell of a locus selected from among Igf2-H19, Rasgrf1, lgf2R, Kcnq1, and Peg1/Mest. Also provided are methods for distinguishing very small embryonic like (VSEL) stem cells from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), methods for isolating VSELs from sources expected to include VSELs, methods for assessing the purity of a very small embryonic like stem cell (VSEL) preparation, and kits that include oligonucleotide primers that can be employed in the practice of the claimed methods.