You will have a number of tests done to make sure you are healthy enough to have the stem cell transplant. These tests give us information to help you decide whether to go ahead with the transplant.
These tests include:
Blood Tests
Your liver and kidney function can be measured by testing samples of your blood. Your blood will also be tested for signs of previous infections and exposure to certain viruses. We will also be checking your blood type and your blood counts.
Chest X-Ray
This test will show whether there are any problems with your lungs.
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
This test measures your heart’s electrical activity. It is painless and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Echocardiogram
This test measures how well your heart muscle works. It is an ultrasound of your heart. A gel will be placed on your chest and a wand will be moved over your skin to send high frequency sound waves to give a picture of the heart valves and chambers. You may feel a slight pressure as the wand is rubbed over the gel. This test takes about 40-60 minutes.
Pulmonary Function Test (Lung Function Test)
This test will tell us how well your lungs work. You will be asked to breathe into a machine, which will measure how much air you breathe in and out. A blood sample may be taken from your ear lobe to measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.
PET scan
For certain conditions, such as lymphomas, you may need to have a PET scan done. If you have been receiving chemotherapy for cancer that has come back or gotten worse, the PET scan is needed to see how well the chemotherapy has worked to decrease the size and number of tumor(s).
CT Scan
In some instances, such as to rule out infections or blood clots, you may need to have a CT scan done.
Other things to consider
Dental Check-up
You should see your dentist before the transplant to have your teeth checked and cleaned. If you have any issues, such as cavities, you should have them looked after before going ahead with the transplant.
Fertility
Having a stem cell transplant can make you unable to have children. You may want to consider either sperm banking or embryo or egg cryopreservation before starting treatment. If you would like more information about fertility, speak to your hematologist or oncologist, the transplant clinic nurse or the social worker.
