Healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 can donate bone marrow, but those aged 18 to 44 are preferred because bone marrow transplants are most successful with younger donors. The need for donors of all races and ethnicities is crucial to ensure the best matches for patients.
Eligibility and Preferences
- Age: 18-60 years old, with a strong preference for 18-44 years old.
- Health: Must meet specific health requirements; those with certain conditions like HIV/AIDS, allergies, arthritis, asthma, or autoimmune disorders may be ineligible. (Refer to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) for a comprehensive list of requirements).
- Ethnicity: Donors of all races and ethnicities are needed to maximize the chances of finding a match for patients.
How to Become a Donor
The process involves joining a national bone marrow registry, such as the NMDP (https://www.nmdp.org/). This registry helps match potential donors with patients in need. Donation can involve either a surgical procedure to collect bone marrow or a less invasive method of collecting stem cells from the blood (peripheral blood stem cell donation).
Benefits of Donation
Donating bone marrow or stem cells can save the life of someone suffering from blood cancer or a blood disorder. While the process has some risk, it ultimately provides a chance for a cure for the recipient.
