Evaluation & Preparation for Stem Cell Transplant

A consultation with a registered dietitian is scheduled to review your nutritional status and outline special dietary requirements following transplant.

Prior to the transplant, you will meet with a physical therapist who will design an exercise and activity program for use during hospitalization and following transplant. The purpose of these exercises is to maintain muscle tone.

A social worker will meet with you and your family as part of the initial evaluation, and will participate in your care during the inpatient and post-transplant phases.

A thorough dental examination is required prior to the transplant. You will be provided with a letter describing the necessary evaluation, which may be performed by a dentist of your choice. The dental evaluation should be scheduled shortly after your initial meeting with the ASCT Team.

A representative from Patient Financial Services will meet with you to review your health insurance coverage. Each of your insurance carriers will be notified so your policy’s coverage of a stem cell transplant can be determined.

A Medic Alert bracelet is necessary post-transplant. You will be provided with an application for one prior to your transplant. It is advisable to order this bracelet immediately because it takes four to five weeks to process an application. The identification bracelet should be engraved with Autologous Stem Cell Transplant and Use Irradiated and Leukocyte Blood Products Only. Your transplant nurse can help you determine if additional information needs to be included.

A series of tests are necessary to ensure that your body will be able to tolerate the transplant. These tests typically consist of blood work, a heart study, and pulmonary function tests.

Peripheral stem cells are collected by a procedure called leukapheresis, which is performed in the outpatient clinic and requires several hours. Stem cells circulate in the blood and are collected through a catheter placed in a vein in your chest or neck. At the completion of each collection, the laboratory analyzes the product to determine the number of cells collected. Leukapheresis is repeated until a sufficient number of stem cells have been collected.