3 ms·

> The stem cells, in this case, were retrieved from the patients bone marrow. One of two methods, other than cord blood. What's It Like To Donate Stem Cells

• zaroth 10y ago
  The write-up on donation is a bit off. First, I don't think anyone is still harvesting marrow with needles. "Barbaric" and "dark ages" is how I've heard that described. The section on peripheral stem cell harvest is how it's done. Stem cells are mobilized using Neupogen injections, although a better (more expensive) drug called Mozobil gets much better results. To collect the cells it's a daylong process like dialysis. The link says through a large vein through the arm but they like a big fat vein for their central line, so more likely a small surgical procedure to put one in the chest.