Bone marrow transplantation: from where is the bone marrow extracted?

Apr 07, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Heyang
Introduction
Bone marrow for transplantation is generally extracted from sites such as the posterior iliac crest, sternum, or peripheral veins, but the specific site depends on individual circumstances. In some cases where bone marrow cannot be obtained via bone marrow aspiration, peripheral blood stem cells may be collected instead. Additionally, bone marrow for transplantation can also be harvested from umbilical cord blood or other sites such as the anterior iliac crest.

Bone marrow aspiration for bone marrow transplantation is generally performed from sites such as the posterior iliac crest, sternum, or veins, though the specific site depends on individual circumstances. The details are as follows:

1. Posterior Iliac Crest

In bone marrow transplantation, the source is typically the bone marrow, specifically red bone marrow. After adulthood, red bone marrow is mainly located in flat bones, with the largest flat bones being in the pelvis. The pelvic bone includes both the anterior and posterior iliac crests, but the posterior iliac crest is usually chosen for bone marrow aspiration.

2. Sternum

Bone marrow transplantation is a common treatment for leukemia, and the sternum is a site of active hematopoiesis in the body. Therefore, bone marrow may also be aspirated from the sternum for therapeutic purposes.

3. Vein (Peripheral Blood)

In some cases where bone marrow cannot be obtained via bone marrow puncture, it may instead be collected through peripheral blood. Peripheral blood stem cell collection has now become a commonly used method for bone marrow transplantation. By administering granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), hematopoietic stem cells are mobilized into the bloodstream. Once sufficient numbers are reached, these stem cells are separated and stored for use in transplantation.

In addition, bone marrow for transplantation can also be harvested from umbilical cord blood or other sites such as the anterior iliac crest.



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