How are stem cells collected?
Bone marrow stem cells are collected through a procedure called “harvesting.” Usually, several small cuts (not requiring stitches) are made in the skin over the hip (pelvic) bone. A harvesting needle is inserted through the cuts and into the bone to draw the marrow out of the bone. The donor receives anesthesia and will not feel pain caused by the needle. The process of obtaining the marrow takes about an hour. The harvested bone marrow is then processed to remove bone fragments, or when necessary, red blood cells and/or plasma.
