Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC)

Until a few years ago, the only way to harvest stem cells was from bone marrow. Today, a procedure called peripheral blood stem cell extraction (PBSC) makes it possible to retrieve stem cells from a donor’s bloodstream.

PBSC donation, called apheresis, involves receiving daily medication for four to five days before the date of collection to increase blood stem cells in the bloodstream. The donor’s blood is removed from one arm, passed through a machine that separates out the cells used in transplant, and returned through the other arm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the process for PBSC donation?
A: What is the PBSC donation process like?
• You will receive filgrastim, a natural protein given by injection, each day for five days before the donation.
• On the fifth day, you will receive your final dose of filgrastim, and then donate your blood stem cells at the hospital outpatient unit.
• During apheresis, a needle will be placed into each of your arms. Blood will be removed from a vein in one arm and passed through tubing into a blood cell separator machine. The machine collects blood-forming cells, platelets and some white blood cells, and red blood cells are returned to your body through the other arm.

Q: What is Filgrastim, G-CSF?
A: Filgrastim, G-CSF, stimulates white blood cells to form. It is similar to a natural substance in the body, human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). It is given to PBSC donors before donation.

Q: How long does it take to complete a PBSC donation?
A: On average the entire process - from the information session to the actual donation - can take 40 to 46 hours over four to eight weeks. Marrow and PBSC donation require about the same time commitment.

Q: What are the risks of PBSC donation?
A: There is little to no risk involved, but there have not been any long-term studies on the risks associated with PBSC donation.

Q: Does PBSC donation hurt?
A: Donors may experience achiness similar to a cold or the flu, for several days before collection. During the PBSC donation procedure some donors experience tingling around the mouth, fingers and toes and mild muscle cramps.

Q: Where do I go to donate PBSC?
A: Donations are typically conducted at local hospitals or collection centers.

Q: Who pays for the donation process?
A: Donors never pay for donating, and are never paid to donate.All medical costs for the donation procedure are covered by the National Marrow Donor Program or the patient's medical insurance, as are travel expenses and other non-medical costs. The only costs to the donor might be time taken off from work.