If
you match a patient in need of a transplant, we will
notify you. We will first ask if you are still willing
and able to donate. Many years may have passed since
you registered. Your health and circumstances may
have changed. Every step in becoming an unrelated
marrow donor is voluntary. You can withdraw from
the registry at any time.�
To
decide if you are perfectly compatible with the patient,
you will undergo additional blood and tissue tests,
and receive a complete physical examination to make
sure you are well enough to donate. You will also
be thoroughly informed and counseled about the process
of donation and your options as a donor.
If
you are a perfect match with the patient, are in
good health and consent to donate, we will ask you
to donate blood stem cells in one of two ways;�
- Marrow
Donation: At a local hospital, a doctor will
remove marrow from the back of your pelvic bone
using a special needle and syringe. You will
be under either general or local anesthesia during
the procedure. The amount of marrow needed depends
upon the size of the patient receiving the donation.
This procedure may require hospitalization overnight.
The greatest risk to you is from the anesthesia.
Your hip and lower back may be sore for several
days comparable to falling on ice and having
muscle soreness.� The donation of marrow
will not affect your white cell or platelet count
and the marrow is replaced naturally in 4 -6
weeks. .
- Peripheral
Blood Stem Cell Donation: Blood stem cells
are also found in circulating blood. You will
take a drug to stimulate the growth of blood
stem cells. The cells are then collected using
a process called apherisis.� While you relax
on a specially designed couch, your blood is
passed through a sterile machine that collects
the cells and returns the blood to you.�
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