What is the criteria for becoming a bone marrow donor?”
The first step to becoming a bone marrow donor is to join the Be The Match RegistrySM. Thousands of patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases depend on the Be The Match Registry to find a matching donor to save their life. If a patient’s doctor selects you as the best match, you will be asked to donate either bone marrow or cells from circulating blood (known as PBSC donation). Be The Match Registry is the new name for the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry. If you joined the NMDP Registry, either in person or online, you are a member of Be The Match Registry and do not need to join again. Learn more about Be The Match. Information on this topic is available in Spanish 1. Join the Be The Match Registry Anyone age 18 – 60 who is willing to donate to any patient in need and meets the health guidelines can join. You’ll complete a short health questionnaire and sign a form stating you understand what being on our registry means. Then you give a swab of cheek cel
In the US alone, 6,000 people need a bone marrow transplant on any given day. Offering to donate bone marrow can save lives threatened by cancers and blood diseases. Donating bone marrow is commonly done as a surgical procedure and often requires anesthesia, but saving lives with the donation is an incredible gift to others. 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 Don
