A system and method for collecting bone marrow includes a trocar component having an upper handle and an elongate shaft depending from the handle, the shaft having a sharp cutting edge at a lower tip thereof. An introducer component includes a lower handle having an inlet formed therethrough and an introducer cannula communicably connected to the inlet and depending from the lower handle. The introducer cannula has an open distal end. The harvesting component includes a support hub having an aspiration port and a harvesting cannula communicably connected to the aspiration port and depending from the support hub. The trocar and introducer components are introduced into the bone marrow and the trocar component is replaced by the harvesting component. The introducer cannula is withdrawn and interengaged with the support hub of the harvesting component and the assembly is manipulated to drive a blunt end of the harvesting component through the bone marrow without causing undue damage to the bone marrow and constituent cells. Bone marrow is aspirated through fenestrated openings in the side wall of the harvesting cannula.
