How to Donate Bone Marrow for Transplants

Donating bone marrow is a process that involves drawing blood stem cells directly out of the bone. Bone marrow itself is a system of cells that forms tissue used to create blood cells. Donating makes that tissue available for transplant, which can help treat or even cure some diseases, such as leukemia, aplastic anemia and some immune deficiency diseases.

Instructions

Becoming a Donor

• 1

  The easiest way to donate bone marrow is by joining the national bone marrow registry. This can be done online (see the national bone marrow donor resource below) or at a local bone marrow clinic.

• 2

  When you join, you will be asked to take a survey. This is to make sure that you're a healthy, eligible donor. In order to donate, you must be between 18 and 60 years of age and have no HIV/AIDs, no autoimmune diseases, no severe arthritis or bone diseases and no bleeding problem. Certain types of cancer, some forms of hepatitis and some medications may also make you ineligible.

• 3

  Once you agree to donate, you will need to undergo a physical exam to ensure that you are healthy.

• 4

  Once you are on the registry, you may be contacted to donate. You are not required to donate once you are contacted.