Although the resources providing stem cells are abundant, there are many challenges. One challenge facing adult stem cell research is the ability to classify and identify the adult stem cells in tissue. With an abundance of different cells in tissue, it is hard to isolate, obtain, and initiate the certain type of stem cell needed for different procedures. This method is often lengthy and requires the stem cells to be nurtured for growth in the appropriate manner (“Adult Stem Cells”). Another challenge facing all stem cells is the ability for them to accommodate to the surrounding cells after being implanted. The stem cells must be able to work in complete function with the patient’s pre-existing body cells, or else the operation would be a
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Adult stem cells can be harvested through the process of “‘Peripheral Blood’ Harvesting” (“Stem Cell Harvest”). This type of stem cell harvest is when a patient is seated comfortably in a chair. One IV is inserted into each arm. The process begins with pumping blood out of the one arm. Once the blood is extracted, the stem cells are separated from the blood cells. Then, the blood without stem cells is pumped back into the other arm (“Stem Cell Harvest”). This method of harvesting is prefered by many. The procedure allows for quicker recovery time, fewer complications, it can be repeated, no anaesthetic is required, there is minimal pain, and the risk of cancerous cells being transferred is lower (“Stem Cell Harvest”). Another method of harvesting adult stem cells is through “‘Bone Marrow’ Harvest” (“Stem Cell Harvest”). The first step in this procedure is placing the patient under with anaesthetic. Then, using large needles, bone marrow will be taken out, directly, from large bones. A common bone used is the pelvic bone. The benefit of this procedure is there is only moderate pain a few days after the surgery (“Stem Cell Harvest”). Embryonic stem cells have multiple ways of extraction, also. However, there are new studies that have proven to be more effective and maintain the embryo’s original purpose. One of these new methods is called “Blastomere Extraction” (“Adult Stem Cells”). This form of embryonic stem cell extraction only requires eight blastomeres, or cells. Using only eight blastomeres does not destroy the embryo. The embryo still has the capability to grow healthily after extraction (“Adult Stem
Adult stem cells can be harvested through the process of “‘Peripheral Blood’ Harvesting” (“Stem Cell Harvest”). This type of stem cell harvest is when a patient is seated comfortably in a chair. One IV is inserted into each arm. The process begins with pumping blood out of the one arm. Once the blood is extracted, the stem cells are separated from the blood cells. Then, the blood without stem cells is pumped back into the other arm (“Stem Cell Harvest”). This method of harvesting is prefered by many. The procedure allows for quicker recovery time, fewer complications, it can be repeated, no anaesthetic is required, there is minimal pain, and the risk of cancerous cells being transferred is lower (“Stem Cell Harvest”). Another method of harvesting adult stem cells is through “‘Bone Marrow’ Harvest” (“Stem Cell Harvest”). The first step in this procedure is placing the patient under with anaesthetic. Then, using large needles, bone marrow will be taken out, directly, from large bones. A common bone used is the pelvic bone. The benefit of this procedure is there is only moderate pain a few days after the surgery (“Stem Cell Harvest”). Embryonic stem cells have multiple ways of extraction, also. However, there are new studies that have proven to be more effective and maintain the embryo’s original purpose. One of these new methods is called “Blastomere Extraction” (“Adult Stem Cells”). This form of embryonic stem cell extraction only requires eight blastomeres, or cells. Using only eight blastomeres does not destroy the embryo. The embryo still has the capability to grow healthily after extraction (“Adult Stem