HOW ARE STEM CELLS ADMINISTERED WHEN NEEDED?
Most commonly the stem cells are infused intravenously through a central catheter, much the same way IV fluids are administered. Most stem cell recipients (transplant recipients) will have a central line, or central catheter, already in place from their chemotherapy. Administration of the stem cells through this catheter is the transfusion, or transplantation of stem cells. Stem cells have also been delivered by direct injection into the “target” site, as done with a patient who had experienced a heart attack. The heart muscle was actually noted to generate healthy muscle cells after using this alternative method of administration. Although the direct injection method is much less commonly used at present, it may gain popularity as research and technology advance, as a smaller amount of stem cells are required for effectiveness.
