Collection of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Also known as: hematopoietic stem cell harvesting, leukapheresis.

What is collection of hematopoietic stem cells?

The body’s stem cells can be used for treatments for a number of different disease, including certain cancers and non-malignant conditions. The process of collecting these stem cells for use as treatments is known as collection of hematopoietic stem cells or stem cell harvesting.

What happens during the procedure?

In many cases, collection of hematopoietic stem cells simply requires a blood draw from the arm with a large catheter. Some people will require a more central located catheter or port in order to withdraw the blood if their veins are too small. Other way of extracting stem cells is to remove them directly from the donor’s bone marrow. This procedure is conducted in the operating room under general anesthesia. Once the stems cells are removed from the blood with a special machine, our cellular therapy lab processes the stem cells, then it is infused to the body with another injection, or through the catheter or port.

Is any special preparation needed?

The patient is sedated during collection of hematopoietic stem cells. It may be necessary to avoid food, drink or certain medications before the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

Dizziness, fainting, vomiting, nausea bleeding, cramping, irregular heartbeat, bruising, pain, infection, blood pressure issues, fever, back pain, shortness of breath or hives are few possible risks of collection of hematopoietic stem cells.

Reviewed by: Jorge Ricardo Galvez Silva, MD

This page was last updated on: August 03, 2020 12:06 PM