Do you need a referral for stem cell transplant?

A haematologist or oncologist usually sends the referral to a transplant team. Access arrangements differ between hospitals, so the transplant centre can confirm which referral documents it accepts.

A referral starts a specialist evaluation; it does not confirm that transplantation will go ahead. The team reviews the diagnosis, previous treatment, current disease status, general health and whether an autologous transplant using your own cells or an allogeneic transplant using donor cells might be appropriate.

The assessment may involve blood tests, imaging, heart and lung checks, infection screening and a review of available donors when relevant. The team also discusses fertility, medicines, caregiving, recovery arrangements and the practical demands of treatment.

Contact the clinician managing your blood disorder or cancer and request a transplant-centre opinion. Ask where the referral will be sent and which records are required. Useful records include pathology reports, scan reports, treatment summaries, recent laboratory results, a medicines list and details of other medical conditions.

If you are approaching a centre directly, ask whether it requires a named specialist referral before booking. Do not stop cancer treatment or change prescribed medicines while waiting unless your treating team gives you specific instructions.

Referral administration should not delay care for a new or severe problem. Contact your cancer team promptly for fever, worsening shortness of breath, unusual bleeding, repeated vomiting or rapidly increasing weakness. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, collapse or bleeding that will not stop.

If treatment is already underway, follow the urgent-contact instructions supplied by your oncology or haematology team because infection risk and the correct response can depend on your current medicines and blood counts.

Ask why transplant is being considered, which transplant approach may fit your diagnosis, what alternatives are available and what needs to happen before the transplant team can decide. You can also ask who will coordinate records, donor testing, treatment timing and urgent concerns while the referral is pending.