Donating peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC)

By donating your peripheral blood stem cells, you can help change the life of someone with blood cancer or another blood disorder. Learn more about the process and the impact you could have as a donor.

Blood stem cells are blood-producing cells that create white and red blood cells as well as platelets. These blood stem cells can self-renew, meaning they can divide to produce more blood stem cells. Because of their versatility, they’re vital for fighting a host of diseases and maintaining a healthy immune system. When found in circulating blood, they are called peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs).

Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation is one of two methods used to collect blood-forming cells for a life-saving transplant. It’s a non-surgical, outpatient procedure done through an IV.

How it works: Blood is drawn from one arm, passed through a machine that collects your blood stem cells, and returned to your body through the other arm. This process is called apheresis and is similar to donating plasma or platelets.

90% of donors provide blood stem cells through PBSC donation. The other 10% donate through a bone marrow donation, a surgical procedure where cells are collected from the hip. The patient’s doctor determines the best method for their treatment.

If you’re a match for a patient, here’s what to expect:

1. Confirming you’re the best match
• Complete a health history questionnaire.
• Undergo additional testing to ensure the best match.
• Attend an information session to answer any questions.
• Receive a physical exam and blood tests.

Throughout your journey, you’ll have a team of NMDP^SM experts working with you every step of the way. The entire donation process takes an average of 20 to 30 hours spread over 4 to 6 weeks (excluding travel). We’re here to answer your questions, ensure your safety, and set you up for a successful donation.

2. Preparing for donation
• For 5 days before donation, you’ll receive injections of filgrastim (or an FDA-approved similar medication).
• Filgrastim increases stem cell production, moving them into the bloodstream for easy collection.
• Some donors experience mild side effects, like bone or muscle aches, which go away after donation.

While bloodwork and medical appointments can often be done locally, most donors will need to travel for the actual donation. NMDP covers all travel and donation-related costs, including:

• Flights, hotels and meals
• Childcare, pet boarding and lost wages
• Travel expenses for a friend or family member to accompany you
3. The donation day
• Donation happens at an NMDP Collection Center or hospital outpatient facility.
• Apheresis is done through an IV in each arm. Your blood is drawn, blood stem cells are collected and the rest of your blood is returned.
• Most PBSC donations take 4-8 hours and are completed in one session. Some may require a second session.
• You can read, watch movies or relax while donating.

Find out more about the donation timeline.

4. After your PBSC donation
• You’ll be monitored briefly and then can go home the same day.
• Most donors return to work, school and regular activities within 1-7 days.
• Your blood stem cells naturally replenish within a few weeks.

PBSC donation is safe and does not weaken your immune system. Fewer than 1% of donors experience serious side effects.

Common side effects post PBSC donation

• Before donation: Some donors experience mild headaches, bone or muscle pain, or flu-like symptoms from the filgrastim injections.
• During donation: A few donors feel tingling in their mouth or fingers due to the blood thinner used. This can be easily treated.
• After donation: Some donors feel tired or experience minor bruising at the needle site, but most return to normal quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Because PBSC donation is more complex than donating blood, you’ll likely have questions regarding preparation, recovery and the process itself. Staff at your donor center can answer many of your questions. However, you can find answers to frequently asked questions on our site.

Get answers

Join the registry and use your cells for good. Use them for a life-saving cure for a patient in need.