Stem cells from the bone marrow

• A bone marrow aspirate is taken from the ilium or sternum.
• The sample is shipped to 2F using a next day courier.
• Stem cells are cultured for 14–21 days, with numbers produced (5–15 million) being dictated by the lesion to be treated.
• The stem cells are cryopreserved and shipped back to the veterinarian for treatment.

Aspiration of Bone Marrow from the Ilium

1. Determine desired aspiration site. (Figs 1 & 2) The red arrow points to the site where the needle should puncture the tuber coxae.
2. Make small skin incision and insert Jamshidi needle. (Fig 3)
3. Remove obturator and attach heparinized 60cc syringe. (Fig 4)
4. Aspirate 8-10ml of bone marrow
5. Repeat step #4 with second syringe. (total marrow volume =16-20ml)
6. Remove aspiration needle.
7. Collect one standard serum tube of blood (12ml). (The serum will be used for cryopreservation of cells.)
8. Cap syringes and secure to prevent leakage. (Fig 5)
9. Express ship samples to 2F (see Shipping Instructions).

Click here for detailed Ilial Bone Marrow Aspiration Protocol.

Aspiration of Bone Marrow From the Sternum

1. Palpate the sternum from directly between the forelimbs and extending approximately16 cm caudally.
2. The sternum should be clipped and aseptically prepared from an area directly between the forelegs and extending 8-10 cm caudally. (Fig 6).
3. A stab incision through the skin and deeper subcutaneous tissue is made and Jamshidi needle inserted into the ventral sternum.
4. Remove obturator and attach first heparinized syringe to the needle.
5. Collect 5-7ml of bone marrow aspirate.(Fig 7)
6. Repeat with second syringe for a total aspirate volume of 10-14ml.
7. Cap and secure syringes
8. Express ship to 2F (see Shipping Instructions)

Click here for detailed Sternal Bone Marrow Aspiration Protocol.