Your bone marrow is the consistency of sponge. It contains cells that are not yet fully developed. When these cells have been destroyed by illness or chemotherapy, your stem cells need to be restored. A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is the procedure used to restore your stem cells. Patients can receive your own stem cells, through antilogous transplants, syngeneic when the stem cells come from your identical twin or allergenic transplant from a relative or non relative who matches your stem cells.

Pre-transplant Screening for the Patient

You will be assessed prior to undergoing BMT. The blood tests need to measure hormone and liver, kidney, heart and lung capabilities. More blood tests will be rendered to rule out any infections. Your bone marrow will be evaluated. Several types of X-rays and CT scans will be done. You might even have to undergo a spinal tap. If necessary, there will be a catheter placement in your veins. Expect to meet with a psychologist and have a dental examination.

Testing for the Donor

In the past, bone marrow donors had to go through surgery to collect the bone marrow from your hipbones. Now these cells can be collected through an infusion process directly from your blood. Testing to determine matching is completed using a blood test of the blood stem cells. This is a test called HLA, human leukocyte antigen. HLA are proteins that you inherited from your parents. Full siblings are usually the best matches. Close match increases the chances that the recipient's body accepts your donated cells. After the HLA test is completed, and you are determined to be a match, you undergo an examination to ensure there are not any genetic or infectious problems that can be passed on to the recipient. You will take medication to heighten production of your stem cells. You will be given this medication once per day for four days prior and through the entire process. Be aware that your blood cell count will be checked several times. The process does not require hospitalization.

What is a Bone Marrow Transplant

Normal bone marrow cells are infused into another person. It is done through infusion just like a blood transfusion process. The blood cell stems are collected directly from the blood. PBSC is known as peripheral blood stem cell donation. The transplant is not considered a surgical procedure as it takes place in the patient's hospital room. The patient is constantly checked for signs of fever, hives or chest pain and chills. When the transplant is finished, the waiting begins to see how the cells are acclimating.

What BMT is Used For

Bone marrow transplants are commonly used as a treatment for leukemia, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease and lymphomas. Since these diseases directly affect the bone marrow, this procedure is helpful. BMT is also used for deficiency in the the immune system and aplastic anemia.

Source:

Neutropenia

Mayo clinic

Intelihealth