Pre-Transplant: Stem-Cell Harvesting

After the G-CSF and Plerixafor injections are complete you will go into the appropriate Red Cross center to have your stem cells harvested.   Two lines from a centrifuge are hooked up to the two external ports on your Aphaeresis line.  One line will withdraw blood while the other will return it.  The blood extracted will be run through the centrifuge where the heaviest components will be extracted.  This is only a small portion of the total blood withdrawn – all the rest is immediately returned.


A harvesting session never lasts for more than four hours and is painless although you may feel a slight internal tugging until the technician has the centrifuge settings adjusted.  I suggest you bring a book or crossword puzzles to pass the time.  The Red Cross center may have videos for you to watch as well.



At the end of each collection session the technicians will do a preliminary count to determine how many stem cells were collected.  The amount needed is determined by a simple calculation based on your weight.  You will be notified within one to two hours after each collection if you will need to return the next day for another session.  If multiple collection sessions are required, you will continue to have the daily G-CSF and Plerixafor injections until harvesting is complete.  I had sufficient cells for my transplant after the first session.



Note: The harvesting of stem cells will be done by your donor if you’re having an allegeneic stem cell transplant.

Stem Cell Harvesting – Teri	Type	Rating	Duration
Setup	None	0	10 min.
Blood extraction and return	None	0	4 hrs.

Stem Cell Harvesting –	Type	Rating	Duration
Setup
Blood extraction and return