Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC) Donation in Preparation for a Bone Marrow Transplant

Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC) donation is a nonsurgical procedure. Typically, the donor visits a blood center or an outpatient hospital. In preparation to the procedure, donors receive injections of a drug called Filgrastim to increase the number of blood-forming cells in their bloodstream. At the blood center the donor’s blood is removed through a needle in one arm. The blood then goes through a machine that separates out the blood-forming stem cells. The blood then remaining is returned to the donor through the other arm. Donors can expect their blood-forming stem cells back to normal levels within 4 to 6 weeks.

Bone Marrow Donation in Preparation for a Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone Marrow Donation is a surgical outpatient procedure. During the procedure the donor is anesthetized so he feels no pain. The Bone Marrow Donation procedure place at a hospital. During the Bone Marrow Donation doctors use a needle to withdraw liquid marrow from the back of the donor’s pelvic bone. The marrow will replace itself completely within 4 to 6 weeks.