Stem Cell Laboratory

The information provided here is intended to give you a very brief overview of the stem cell collection process. If you have further questions, please consult your doctor or nurse.

What is a stem cell?

Stem cells are 'seed' cells, which have yet to develop into a particular blood cell such as a platelet, red cell or white cell. They are usually found in your bone marrow, with a small number present in your blood.

What is a peripheral blood stem cell transplant?

A peripheral blood stem cell transplant is a multi-step process, which involves 'mobilising' stem cells from your bone marrow and then 'collecting' these cells from your blood stream. The stem cells are returned back to you at a later date following high dose chemotherapy. Not everyone proceeds to the high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.

For further information please consult your doctor.

Why do I need a peripheral blood stem cell transplant?

Chemotherapy is the main treatment for many forms of cancer. The use of high dose chemotherapy has been shown to be a superior way of treating your disease as it results in the maximum number of cancer cells killed. Doses of chemotherapy are normally limited due to the toxic effects on the bone marrow and blood counts. Peripheral blood stem cell transplant allows high doses of chemotherapy to be given safely.

For more information on the stem cell mobilisation and collection process click here.

What happens to my cells?

Each stem cell collection will be tested to determine the suitability and quantity of stem cells collected. The results will take 3-4 hours and will help determine how many collections are required in order to achieve sufficient cells for transplant. The cells are then frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in The Wesley Clinic Research Centre Transplant Laboratory.

The stem cells collected may be given back to you at a later date following high dose chemotherapy in a manner similar to a blood transfusion. Cells will be stored up to 5 years.