Types of Donation

In the past the phrase Bone Marrow Transplant was used however now it is known as a Stem Cell Transplant. This is because stem cells, thanks to new technology and drugs, can safely come out of bone marrow and into the peripheral blood circulation/stream which can be used for a transplant after it has been collected. Originally the cells could only be taken directly from the bone marrow (usually from the hip bone) and that is why it was called a “Bone Marrow Transplant”.

Peripheral blood stem cell transplant

What is a PBSC Transplant?

So a peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT or stem cell transplant) is when the stem cells have been collected from the blood stream, whereas a bone marrow transplant (BMT) is when the stem cells have been collected directly from the bone marrow. Stem cells can also be collected from an umbilical cord - all these cells are virtually the same but have been collected in different ways. Most people will describe it as either a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

The Procedure

This procedure is used 90% of the time.

A non-surgical procedure where your bone marrow is stimulated to produce excess stem cells, ready to be collected! All you need to do is sit in a chair with a needle in one arm. Your blood will be processed through a special “Apheresis” machine which separates your stem cells and returns the rest of your blood cells to your other arm. You do not lose any part of you because only the excess stem cells are collected.
You will be supported every step of the way. Your health is very important and your medical team will never put you through the procedure if they believe you are not healthy or fit enough.

Stimulating the bone marrow

A small injection will be administered, usually in the fat of the tummy, every day for approximately 4 days prior to the donation. This injection contains a naturally occurring hormone and stimulates your bone marrow to produce more cells. The stem cells increase to large quantities in the bone marrow so the stem cells flow out into your blood stream to be collected. Some of the short term symptoms may include headaches, bone and muscle pain, fatigue and sometimes feeling a little under the weather but most of these can be treated with Paracetamol. There are no long term side effects and all the side effects disappear after the cells are collected.

Collecting the cells

The extra stem cells will all be in your blood stream after the injections. On the day of the donation you will have two needles, one in each arm, that will be collected into a machine. Blood will be taken out of one arm and processed through the machine to separate the stem cells from your cells. Through the other arm the blood is returned to your body. The procedure takes around 3-4 hours to perform.

What happens next?

Most people return straight to work and continue with their normal activities.

Your stem cells will be sent off to save someone’s life! Something so simple will mean the world to a patient and their family. Bonus, you will be very proud of the amazing thing you have done to save someones life!!

You can read some first hand stories of people who have donated on the Ur the Cure website

Bone Marrow Donation

This method is used 10-20% of the time in the donation process.

A surgical procedure which normally involves the patient being placed under general anaesthetic. This process is rarely used but if you are asked to donate with this method it is likely that the patient is a child or a baby. This makes it extra special knowing you could save a child’s life.

A needle and syringe is placed into the pelvic bone cavity (back of the hip) to withdraw the bone marrow. Even though it sounds painful you won’t feel a thing at the time and the dull ache after will fade within a few days.

Your body will replenish the bone marrow that was taken so you don’t lose any part of you. The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete and you can normally return home the same or next day.

There are no costs to you to donate your bone marrow. All that is asked from you is your time and commitment. You will have to fill out some forms and some routine tests, you donor centre coordinator will give you the necessary information and you will be supported every step of the way.

Your health is the most important thing and your medical team will never put you through a procedure if they believe you are not healthy or fit enough, all the necessary check are done beforehand.

What happens next?

You may feel some pain in the lower back of the hip region, much like a dull ache. This can be helped with Paracetamol and normally wears off in a few days. Most people are back to their regular activities in that time.

Your stem cells will be sent off to save your matching patient’s life! Something so simple will mean the world to a patient and their family. Bonus, you will be very proud of the amazing thing you have done to save someones life!!