Pre-Transplant Tests

Several tests and exams over the course of several days will help determine whether a patient is healthy enough to undergo a bone marrow, stem cell or cord blood transplant.

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Who Can Undergo a Bone Marrow, Stem Cell or Cord Blood Transplant?

A blood stem cell transplant is a rigorous medical procedure. In order to determine if you are a good candidate for a transplant, your medical team will consider your:

  • age
  • general physical condition
  • diagnosis
  • stage of your disease
  • prior treatment history
  • availability of a blood stem cell donor, unless you are using your own cells for transplant

Medical Tests to Determine if You are a Good Candidate for Transplant

Tests on your heart, lungs, kidneys and other vital organs will be done prior to transplant to ensure you can tolerate the procedure. These typically include:

  • a MUGA scan/echocardiogram/EKG to measure your heart function
  • a pulmonary function test to measure the health of your lungs
  • a chest x-ray/CT scan to check for lung problems and infection
  • blood work and urine tests to measure
    • blood counts
    • kidney function
    • liver function
    • past exposure to infectious diseases
  • tests to check the status of your disease
  • a full physical exam and health history
  • a dental exam

You will also meet with a social worker or psychologist to discuss your emotional health, as well as a financial counselor who will help you with insurance approvals and financial issues.

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Next Page: How Bone Marrow and Stem Cells are Collected

Updated August, 2023

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