Bone marrow donation is a life-giving gift you can provide for people suffering from such medical conditions as leukemia (blood cancer) and multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer characterized by bleeding and back pain). Bone marrow refers to the tissues found inside your bones that contain blood stem cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, these cells are responsible for making the rest of the cells in your body. People with diseases like leukemia and multiple myeloma need bone marrow to survive. There are specific steps to donate bone marrow for transplants.
Step 1
Join a match registry for bone marrow donation. Research the internet or ask your doctor for recommended donation sites. For example, the National Bone Marrow Registry requires you to be 18 to 60 years old. You will fill out a questionnaire to determine whether you meet initial qualifications.
Step 2
Keep your cell phone with you at all times. The match registry will call you if you are a potential donor for a patient. You will be asked to obtain more blood testing.
Step 3
Obtain a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing test from your doctor. A human leukocyte antigen is a protein (substance) in your body that you inherit from both your parents, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your HLA will be compared to the HLA of the person receiving the transplant. If you are a match, your doctor will ask about your medical history and obtain any necessary tests. If you are healthy, you can donate your bone marrow.
Step 4
Go to a hematologist (blood doctor) to have your bone marrow removed. According to the Bone Marrow Donation program, your bone marrow will be removed through a surgical procedure. The hematologist will use a hollow needle to remove bone marrow from your hip bones. You may feel sore after the procedure but recovery lasts for only a few days.
Step 5
Call your family doctor to plan follow-up visits after the bone marrow donation. She will make sure you are recovering well.
Things You'll Need
- HLA typing test
- Cell phone
