Allogeneic Transplant
Post-BMT Phase
Engraftment

What is engraftment?

The Post-BMT Phase is the longest phase of a blood and marrow transplant. It begins following the bone marrow infusion, and continues throughout the recovery period.

It is during the Post-BMT Phase that everyone looks forward to evidence that the transplanted stem cells have travelled to the right place and are starting to work. Engraftment is the process in which the transplanted stem cells find their way to the bone marrow spaces in the centre of the large bones of the body. Only then can the transplanted stem cells begin to produce new blood cells.

Experts are not completely certain how this amazing process happens. It takes approximately two to four weeks after the bone marrow is infused for engraftment to occur.

There are several ways that your doctor can tell that engraftment has begun. The first sign of engraftment is the gradual rise of white blood cell count or platelet count that begins about two weeks after your BMT day. Red blood cells often take a little longer to begin developing.

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