Modalities for preparation, cryopreservation, thawing of hematopoietic stem cells and precautions for infusion to patient: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)

To date, despite an existing regulatory framework and standards, there are no true technical recommendations. A survey of 23 cell processing facilities (France, Belgium and Switzerland) has allowed to overview current practices according to cellular products specifications upon arrival at the facility, with modalities for their preparation prior to cryopreservation, storage, thawing and finally for infusion to patient. Data analysis shows great variability of collected volumes and cell concentrations in cellular products. Despite homogeneous practices for handling cells at the facility, methods vary between centers, especially for the choice of cryoprotective solutions and thawing methods. During the workshop, practices have been discussed and summarized to write of recommendations about the following topics: processing and cryopreservation, thawing, bedside precautions (for infusion). This work identifies some improvements in terms of collection, choice of wash solution of thawed cells and validation of the conditions of carriage.