What Is a Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Donation?
This apheresis procedure removes blood from one arm and separates the blood in a machine. The machine transfers blood stem cells into a collection bag and returns the remaining blood into your other arm.
What Is Involved?
You will need to take a series of four shots. These shots are with a very small need that is placed just below the skin’s surface. The medication is a manufactured version of a growth factor that your body naturally makes. This growth factor signals the bone marrow to release more blood stem cells into circulating blood.
Is the Procedure Painful?
After the initial needle stick, the procedure is not uncomfortable. You may get a little cold, but we have plenty of blankets just in case.
How Long Does It Take?
You will need to come to the blood center four days in a row prior to the procedure to receive the growth factor injections.
On the fifth day, the procedure will take around four hours to complete. We can provide you with snacks while you wait, but you will want to limit your fluid intake.
What Is It Used For?
This procedure is performed to collect blood stem cells. These cells are responsible for making all the other blood cells in your body. Scientists can reprogram these donated cells to attack specific types of cancers. Your cells may be used for cancer research or reprogrammed and given to a cancer patient.
