Who is bone marrow stem cell donation for?
You may be able to donate your bone marrow stem cells if you’re in good health and doctors determine that you’re a match for the person who needs a bone marrow stem cell transplant. Doctors compare the characteristics of the stem cells in your bone marrow to those of the potential recipient to see if the proteins in your cells are similar. A close match increases the chances that the recipient’s body will accept your bone marrow cells. Doctors can test your stem cells by examining a small sample of your blood. Your full brothers and sisters are the best match for your bone marrow. If your bone marrow appears to be a suitable match for the person waiting for a transplant, you’ll undergo an examination to ensure that your bone marrow can be transplanted. The doctor will want to rule out any genetic or infectious diseases you might have, since these can be passed on to the bone marrow recipient. The doctor also asks questions about your general health and your family health history to det
