Once your evaluation and insurance clearance are complete, your transplant team will create a personalized treatment schedule, which includes mobilization and collection of your stem cells.

Mobilization

The goal of mobilization is to stimulate your bone marrow to produce and release more stem cells into your bloodstream. This can be done in two ways:

• Chemotherapy with a growth factor
• Growth factors alone

Your transplant physician will recommend the best method based on your specific needs.

Keep Reading About Mobilization

Catheter Placement

Your stem cells will be collected through a central venous catheter, placed under sedation by Interventional Radiology. A home care nurse may visit to teach you and your caregiver how to care for the catheter. This line will remain in place throughout your transplant and may be removed before or shortly after your discharge, depending on your transfusion needs.

For more information on catheters and ports, watch the video below.

Caring for Your Catheter or Port

Your catheter will be used to collect stem cells, draw blood, and administer medications for up to 30 days post-transplant, reducing the need for needle sticks. Follow your nurse’s care instructions and watch for signs of infection, such as:

• Fever
• Redness, swelling, or tenderness near the catheter site
• Drainage, rash, or bleeding

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection (Apheresis)

Most patients undergo peripheral blood stem cell collection, the standard process of collection for an autologous stem cell transplant.

How it works:

1. You’ll visit the hospital for two or more days.
2. During each session (4-6 hours), your blood will flow through an apheresis machine, which extracts stem cells and returns the rest of your blood to your body.
3. After collection, the stem cells are tested, counted, and frozen until your transplant.

Bring something to pass the time. Consider books, shows, movies, or an iPad. Pack snacks or lunch, though some facilities may provide these. Your caregiver can stay nearby but may not always be allowed at the bedside.

Bone Marrow Collection (If Required)

If peripheral blood stem cell collection is not successful or is not indicated for you, doctors might collect stem cells directly from your bone marrow. 

Bone marrow collection is performed under general anesthesia in a same-day surgery. Marrow is drawn from your hip bones, and only 5% of your marrow is collected, which your body quickly replenishes.

Common side effects include mild to moderate hip discomfort, managed with pain medication.

Patient and Caregiver Education

Many hospitals offer training to help you and your caregiver prepare for the stem cell collection and the following transplant process. Training may include:

• Overview of the transplant process
• Expected side effects and when to call a nurse
• How to flush the catheter or port daily
• Educational booklets for home reference

This preparation will help you feel more confident and equipped as you move through your stem cell transplant journey.

SCT CONNECT GROUP