Taking stem cells from the bone marrow

Although it is much more common for the stem cells to be collected from your, or your donor’s, blood, in some situations the stem cells may be collected from the bone marrow.

How is it done?

About a week or two before the bone marrow is taken, you (or a donor) may have 1–2 pints of blood taken. This will be given back to you after the bone marrow is collected.

The collection of bone marrow is done under a general anaesthetic or an anaesthetic given into the spinal cord, so you will feel nothing. Some marrow is taken from inside the bones at the back and front of the pelvis (the hip bones). Rarely, marrow is taken from the breastbone (sternum). It is not usually possible to collect bone marrow from areas that have previously been treated with radiotherapy.

The doctor inserts a special needle through the skin and into the bone. The marrow is then sucked out into a syringe and put in a sterile container with various liquids. These liquids keep the cells healthy during processing and storage. The bone marrow is taken from a number of different areas in the pelvis. This is done through several small punctures, which quickly heal. You are likely to have some bruising for a few weeks afterwards.

For an adult, approximately one litre of bone marrow will be removed in this way - about 10–15% of the body’s total. This leaves plenty for your or your donor’s needs, and very quickly the body will replace the bone marrow that is removed.

You will have to stay in hospital overnight to recover from the general anaesthetic. You will feel very sore for a few days afterwards and will need to take painkillers. You will be given a further supply of painkillers to take home if you need them.