Bone marrow is a spongy material that is found inside some major bones like the hipbone. The stem cells in the bone marrow are the building blocks of the blood. The red blood cells - which carry oxygen; the white cells - which fight infection; and the platelets - which stop bleeding, are all produced by the stem cells and are released into the blood stream via the veins and the thin tissue surrounding the bone.
If you intend to become a bone marrow donor, you will have to undergo a physical examination to make sure you have no serious medical conditions. You will also find out if the donation would pose any risks to either you or the patient.
Qualifications for Donating Bone Marrow
In every country the criteria to be a bone marrow donor are slightly different. There is usually an age limit. For example, in the US, you must be between 18 and 60 years old and in the UK, between 18 and 49.
There are a variety of diseases and conditions which could prevent you from becoming a donor. You will be asked to fill out a health history form and be informed if you meet the organization's health criteria. This is done to protect the health of the donor as well as the patient.
Donating Bone Marrow Requires a Time Commitment
If you are contacted as a match and change your mind about donating, consider the fact that your decision could be devastating and life-threatening to the patient.
There will be a time commitment involved for taking blood and tissue tests to make sure the transplant will be successful.
The most common form of donation does not involve surgery; it's very similar to donating blood. It is possible, however, that you'll be asked to donate marrow through surgery.
It usually takes up to 7 days for you to return to your daily routine after donating.
While the medical procedures will often be covered by the patient's insurance company, and the organization may reimburse you for travel costs, there may be other costs involved that you will not be reimbursed for, such as food while traveling.
Register in the Bone Marrow Registry
In many cases, you can register online, or you can obtain a list of addresses where you can sign up in person. There are many sites online for bone marrow registration, such as the Be The Match Registry: http://www.marrow.org
If you register online to donate bone marrow in the US, you will need to order your tissue-typing kit for approximately $52 with a credit card. If you register in person, such as at a drive, there may be a sponsor who covers the tissue-typing costs. Whatever you end up paying is tax-deductible.
Give a Blood Sample
In order to be registered, you must have your tissue type determined. If you ordered a tissue-typing kit in the US, you'll receive instructions in getting a swab sample from the inside of your cheek.
Information Sessions
If you are selected as the best donor for a patient, you will be asked to attend an information session tolearn about the donation process, risks and side effects.
Remain Available
If your tissue type matches that if a patient in need of a bone marrow transplant, you will be contacted, so it's important that you keep your contact information up-to-date and respond promptly.
Thousands of patients wait for a bone marrow donor who can make their life-saving transplant possible. Learning about the process and making the decision to donate is one to be taken very seriously but can be very rewarding.
For more information: www.marrow.org
Cheryl Phillips
HULIQ.com
Posted November 16th, 2009 by Cheryl Phillips
