OBJECTIVES: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is considered to be standard care for patients with MM and NHL. For patients to proceed to stem cell transplantation, a sufficient number of stem cells must first be harvested through an apheresis procedure. Therapies such as plerixafor and filgrastim are used to  enhance stem cell mobilization in these patients. The cost of apheresis, however, is difficult to obtain in a hospital setting in the Canadian context. METHODS: The main resource components for apheresis includes materials (plasma exchange sets, administration materials), medication, central line insertion, albumin 4% solution, laboratory tests, cryopreservation, nursing time and physician visits.  Based on interviews conducted from a sample of  nurses in the plasma exchange unit of University Health Network in Toronto, resource utilization was estimated. RESULTS: Costing for apheresis was done for a 4-day treatment protocol with different resource requirements for initial and subsequent sessions. It was determined that total costs of apheresis use for the first day and the subsequent 3 days were variable. It was estimated that over a four day treatment protocol, costs for materials, medication, central line insertion, albumin 4% solution, laboratory tests and nursing time amounted to $6035 (95% CI: $5291-$6780). The costs for the first session was estimated to be $1671 (95% CI: $$1,803-$1431). In addition, cyropresevation and storage costs of stem-cells were estimted to be $100 per day (UHN). Total costs therefore amounted to $6435per 4-day treatment protocol. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study provides a reasonable estimate of resource utilization and costs incurred by hospitals in providing apheresis in Canada.