The hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a medical procedure that involves the replacement of damaged blood cells by injecting healthy stem cells into the patient’s bloodstream.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a prevalent treatment for many blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia.

When performing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the hematopoietic stem cells must be collected.

Proper hematopoietic stem cell collection can significantly impact the success of transplantation; thus, it is crucial to follow the proper collection guidelines.

What is Hematopoietic Stem Cell Collection?

Hematopoietic stem cell collection is the fundamental step in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Generally, there are two basic methods for collecting hematopoietic stem cells:.

Bone Marrow Collection
Peripheral Blood Collection

Bone Marrow Collection

Bone marrow collection is the traditional and oldest method of collecting hematopoietic stem cells. It involves inserting a hollow needle into the hipbone of the donor to extract the bone marrow.

The donor is usually given a local anesthesia before the procedure to reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure.

Generally, the bone marrow collection process can take up to two hours, depending on the volume of bone marrow required. The collected bone marrow is processed to extract stem cells, which can take several days.

Despite being a traditional method, bone marrow collection is still viable, especially when a sufficient volume of stem cells is not present in the peripheral blood.

Although it can be time-consuming and invasive, bone marrow collection is usually a one-time process that completes in a single day.

Peripheral Blood Collection

Peripheral blood collection is a modern technique for collecting hematopoietic stem cells.

This method involves giving the donor drugs known as Growth Factors, which stimulate the stem cells to leave the bone marrow and move into the peripheral blood circulation.

The donor’s blood is then drawn through an intravenous catheter or apheresis machine, which filters out the stem cells and separates them from the donor’s blood components.

Peripheral blood collection can take several hours or a few consecutive days, depending on the volume of stem cells required.

Peripheral blood collection is a non-invasive procedure with fewer risks and complications than bone marrow collection. This method can be repeated several times, making it possible to collect more stem cells compared to bone marrow collection.

Who Can Be a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donor?

Hematopoietic stem cell donors can be family members of the patient, such as siblings who share the same genetic makeup, or they can be unrelated donors with genetic compatibility to the patient.

Generally, the hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation must achieve a full or near-perfect match with the patient’s genetic makeup.

Therefore, the donor’s genetics must be tested thoroughly before collecting hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation.

The donor also undergoes several medical evaluations, including physical and psychological assessments, to guarantee their health and mental stability before collection.

The donor must be free from any blood-borne or infectious diseases to ensure the safety of the patient during transplantation.

What to Expect During the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Collection Process?

Both bone marrow and peripheral blood collection procedures can cause discomfort during the process, and patients may experience some side effects after the collection procedure.

With bone marrow collection, patients may experience pain and discomfort where the needle was inserted. The donor may also feel lightheaded or dizzy after the procedure.

On the other hand, peripheral blood stem cell collection can cause rare side effects, including headaches, muscle cramps, and temporary drop in blood pressure.

Conclusion

Collecting hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation requires proper measures to ensure the success of the procedure. It is crucial to select donors who are healthy and free from any disease or infection.

The collection procedure must follow the appropriate guidelines to minimize discomfort and complications for both donors and patients. The right collection technique will ensure the transplantation can be successful and increase the survival rate of the patient undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.