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Step 5: Stem cell collection (~6–8 weeks)
The stem cell collection process is called apheresis. Each round occurs over two to three days.
To collect your stem cells, you will:
- Be admitted to the hospital for 1–3 days.
- Be given a medication that causes your bone marrow to release stem cells.
- Require an intravenous catheter. (A catheter will be inserted in your vein.)
During collection, stem cells flow into a bag, and the rest of your blood returns to your body.
You may require multiple rounds of the preparation and collection phases to provide enough stem cells. There are usually four weeks between rounds.
Make sure you know about potential side effects, including pain crisis.
