← Back
Countries

USA: Transplantation

In the USA, allogeneic and autologous transplants are done at FACT-accredited centres, and results are reported publicly through CIBMTR.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a transplant unit door.
Figure 1.Door — USA: Transplantation

01Short answer

Before a transplant, insurers usually require a separate approval and sometimes pick certain centres in a “centres of excellence” network. Centres often require you to live nearby for several weeks or months after the transplant and to have a caregiver around the clock. Some centres have housing for patients. CAR-T is given at similar certified centres.

02Simple explanation

FACT: quality accreditation.

Caregiver: often required.

Living nearby.

03Scientific explanation

Results: CIBMTR compares each centre’s survival with the expected result.

Insurance: transplant is costly; approval and network must be checked in advance.

04What happens in the body?

Unit

HEPA-filtered rooms lower infection risk.

Infusion

Stem cells are given into a vein, much like a transfusion.

On a dark navy background, drops of light.
Figure 2.Infusion — USA: Transplantation

Housing

The live-nearby and caregiver requirement.

On a dark navy background, a warm window.
Figure 3.Housing — USA: Transplantation

05Preparing for transplant

Four steps.

Centre — Choose an accredited one.1CentreChoose an accredited one.
Approval — Insurance authorization.2ApprovalInsurance authorization.
Caregiver — A rota.3CaregiverA rota.
Housing — A place nearby.4HousingA place nearby.
ReadyThe plan is set.
SupportA caregiver is in place.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
UnitHEPA-filtered rooms lower infection risk.
InfusionStem cells are given into a vein, much like a transfusion.
HousingThe live-nearby and caregiver requirement.

07Key terms

Allogeneic
Transplant from a donor.
Autologous
Using your own cells.
Center of excellence
A centre chosen by the insurer.
Caregiver
The person who looks after you.

08Key points

  • Ask about the centre’s results.
  • Find out about insurance approval.
  • Build a caregiver rota.
  • Ask about housing help.
  • Meet the social worker.

09Frequently asked questions

What if I have no caregiver?

Some centres look for alternatives; talk to the social worker.

Who pays for housing?

Sometimes insurance or charities help; terms vary.

How do I choose a centre?

Look at accreditation, experience and CIBMTR results.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. What if I have no caregiver?

  2. Who pays for housing?

  3. How do I choose a centre?

My questions

12Sources

  1. CIBMTR. Official website
  2. FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy). Official website
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
  4. NMDP. For patients
  5. EBMT. European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency
  7. GOV.UK. Disability rights: employment
  8. NHS. NHS 111 online
  9. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: Germany fact sheet
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →