Who Donates Bone Marrow?
Bone marrow can be donated by various individuals, offering a life-saving opportunity for those battling blood cancers and disorders. Donors can be related to the recipient or unrelated.
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Related Donors: Family members, particularly siblings, are often the first choice due to a higher chance of a successful HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) match. A brother or sister has a 1 in 4 chance of being a match. (Cancer Research UK)
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Unrelated Donors: If a suitable match isn't found within the family, unrelated donors from registries like the NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program) are sought. These donors are carefully matched based on HLA typing. (NMDP)
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Umbilical Cord Blood Donors: After childbirth, the umbilical cord blood can be donated. This is a valuable source of stem cells, often used in transplants.
Donor Eligibility
Most healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 44 can be potential donors. However, specific medical guidelines and criteria exist to ensure donor and recipient safety. These are evaluated by medical professionals. (UCLA Health, NMDP)
Donation Methods
There are two main methods:
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Bone Marrow Aspiration: A surgical procedure under general anesthesia where bone marrow is extracted from the pelvic bone. (Mayo Clinic)
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Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation: A non-surgical procedure where stem cells are collected from the blood after the donor receives medications to increase stem cell production. This is the most common method, as 90% of donations are done this way. (NMDP)
The choice of donation method depends on various factors, and the medical team will determine the best approach. (Blood Stem Cell)
Donating bone marrow or stem cells is a selfless act that can save lives. The process, though requiring commitment, is generally safe and offers a chance to make a profound difference. (Cleveland Clinic, MSKCC)
