Sources of Haematopoietic Stem Cells
Stem cells for transplant are sourced from the patient himself, or from a donor. Peripheral blood stem cells are collected through a process called apheresis, where the blood is taken from the donor through a needle in one arm, then is placed in a machine that separates the white blood cells from the red blood cells. Only the white blood cells are needed by the patient, so the red blood cells are returned to the donor. Daily injections of Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor helps the transplanted stem cells to move to the peripheral circulation.
Umbilical cord blood can be taken from a new born’s umbilical cord if the parents allow it. This is then frozen and stored for future use.