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How are stem cells removed from a donor?
After a few days, when there are enough stem cells in the blood, the blood is taken from a vein in one arm and passed along a tube into a special centrifuge called an apheresis machine. Here the stem cells are separated from the blood (a process known as apheresis).
What happens to the donor of a bone marrow transplant?
The machine collects blood-forming cells, platelets and some white blood cells. Plasma and red blood cells are returned to your body through the other arm. All the tubing used in the machine is sterile and is used only once for your donation. If only one donation is done, it may take up to eight hours.
Are bone marrow transplants painful?
During the procedure, the patient does not have much pain. A small incision is made, through which a wide bore needle is inserted into the bone marrow and stem cells are collected in syringes. The donor may experience pain after the anesthesia wears off. Painkillers may be needed for next few days.
How do they remove bone marrow?
The doctor or nurse makes a small incision in the skin, then inserts a hollow needle through the bone and into the bone marrow. Using a syringe attached to the needle, a sample of the liquid portion of the bone marrow is withdrawn. You may feel a brief sharp pain or stinging. The aspiration takes only a few minutes.
Are you awake during bone marrow donation?
The procedure takes place in a hospital or outpatient facility. Your doctor can use general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the surgery and won’t feel any pain. Alternatively, they can use regional anesthesia. You’ll be awake, but you won’t feel anything.
How many hours does a bone marrow transplant take?
This procedure isn’t painful and is done while you’re awake. It takes around 3 hours and may need to be repeated the next day if not enough cells are removed the first time.
How painful is bone marrow extraction?
With local anesthesia, bone marrow aspiration, in particular, can cause brief, but sharp, pain. Many people choose to also have light sedation for additional pain relief. If you’re anxious about pain, you may be given an IV medication so that you’re either completely or partially sedated during the bone marrow exam.