Because stem cell transplants can be harsh on the body and challenging for patients, not everyone qualifies for them. 

Before you are given an official SCT appointment, you will go through a pre-transplant eligibility screening. The purpose of this is to ensure that you are receiving the best possible care for your diagnosis, current stage of your myeloma, and individual situation.

Your transplant nurse coordinator and financial coordinator should submit the necessary documentation to the insurance company to obtain approval for your transplant.

The screening may include some or all of these tests:

• Blood Tests: Several different kinds of blood tests will be done to make sure your liver, kidneys, and bone marrow are functioning well. Your blood may also be checked for the presence of infectious diseases. A test of “tumor markers” in your blood may also be done to help the health team with your treatment plan.
• Chest X-Ray: A scan of your heart and lungs is checked for any signs of infection, cancer, or heart abnormality.
• EKG: An electrocardiogram (EKG) shows the electrical activity of your heart, which will be viewed to detect irregularities.
• MUGA Scan: This test shows how well the heart pumps. A very low dose of radioactive
  material is injected into a vein, and a camera takes pictures as the dye is pumped through your heart.
  • Echocardiogram: An alternative to the MUGA Scan, this test uses sound waves to check the heart’s functioning.
• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): This breathing test helps to determine the functioning of your lungs.
• CT or CAT Scan: This special kind of X-ray gives a clear, crisp picture of any part of your body. It is often used to find out if cancer is present and whether your lungs, liver, and kidneys are normal. It can be taken from the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and/or pelvis.
• Bone Scan: These X-rays reveal any abnormalities of the bones that may suggest cancer involvement.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration/Biopsy: A needle placed in your hip bone draws out a small
  amount of bone marrow, which is then tested for cancer. The area of the aspiration is numbed with medication so that you will not feel the needle. Conscious sedation and or relaxation may also be available for this procedure. Learn more here.
• Urine Test: You will collect your own urine for a 24-hour period at home. Urine tests are done to check your kidney function, make sure you do not have an infection, and to check for the use of illicit substances and nicotine. They also check for the presence of light chains for those with kappa or lambda light chain multiple myeloma.
• Consults with Social Worker: This determines your well-being and mental health, as well as ensures that you have the proper care during and post-transplant as you recover.
• Dental Health: Consults with your dentist to confirm the status of any recent dental work, and with a dental oncologist associated with the transplant center.

While extensive, the results of these tests can determine whether or not a stem cell transplant is right for you.