Outpatient vs. Inpatient Autologous Stem Cell Transplant

Your stem cell transplant may be done inpatient or outpatient, depending on your hospital. Here’s what to expect from each approach:

Inpatient ASCT

• You’ll stay in the hospital for 3-4 weeks with 24/7 medical care.
• Your white blood cell count (WBC) will drop to nearly zero, leaving you highly vulnerable to infection.
• You’ll be discharged once your WBC reaches a safe level.
• After discharge, you may need to stay within 30 minutes of the hospital for at least two weeks for regular monitoring.

Outpatient ASCT

• Most of the process is done on an outpatient basis, but some facilities admit patients for a few days for chemotherapy, stem cell infusion, and monitoring.
• Your caregiver will have increased responsibilities in the first few weeks.
• You’ll need daily clinic visits for bloodwork and monitoring.
• If you live within 30 minutes of the hospital, you can recover at home. If not, hospitals may offer temporary housing nearby.

Whether inpatient or outpatient, stem cell transplant is a demanding process that requires planning, caregiver support, and strict infection control. Work closely with your transplant team to determine the best approach for you.