Make sure you arrive at the hospital before 7:00 am.
Avoid caffeine (e.g. coffee and tea) the morning of your donation. We recommend that you eat a good breakfast with milk, yogurt, cheese or other foods that are high in calcium.
Go to the Diagnostic Test Centre (DTC) at Toronto General Hospital (TGH) no later than 7:00 am to have your blood work done.
Please make sure to check in at the Apheresis Unit at 8:00 am.
Directions to the DTC at TGH:
Enter Toronto General Hospital through the 200 Elizabeth Street entrance. Walk past Druxy's and turn left at the first corridor. DTC is on your left-hand side.
Go to the Apheresis Unit at 8:00 am, when it opens. When you arrive, check in with the receptionist. The receptionist will register you and direct you to a patient room.
Directions to the Apheresis Unit:
The Apheresis Unit is on the 12th floor of the Peter Munk building at Toronto General Hospital. When you get out of the elevators near the University Avenue entrance there are signs that direct you to the Apheresis Unit.
If you are unsure of how to get to the Apheresis Unit, go to the Information Desk at the Elizabeth Street or University Avenue entrance of the hospital. A volunteer will be happy to show you where to go.
First appointments take longer than follow-up appointments.
- Before you visit the Apheresis Unit you will need to go to the Diagnostic Test Centre at Toronto General Hospital for blood tests. Your appointment may take 5 hours or more.
- You may have more than one appointment at the Apheresis Unit. This will be communicated at the end of each Apheresis collection or therapeutics session.
We do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays. For example, make sure your arrangements for things like babysitting, elder care and parking can accommodate a longer than usual appointment.
It will be a long day for you, so feel free to bring food or drinks with you. There is a dedicated fridge and microwave on the Apheresis Unit for patient use.
You are welcome to bring family or a friend with you for support. Please note, they will not be able to sit by your bedside for the length of the treatment for safety reasons. However, there is a dedicated waiting area for them on the Apheresis Unit.
After every appointment, the nurse will tell you about your next visit. Be sure you understand what is going to happen next. For example, know the time and place of your next visit.
If you are unsure about what your next steps are, don’t be afraid to ask your bone marrow transplant coordinator. We are there to help you.
Other resources that you may find helpful:
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The Cancer Journey Resources include a personal guidebook and planner. These resources are available to all new patients at the Princess Margaret. You can pick up a free copy from your clinic or at the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library. The Cancer Journey Guide Book and Planner are also available online or on the Princess Margaret Journey App.
Learn more about the Cancer Journey Resources »
