Can a person donate or receive marrow more than once in a lifetime?
Yes, but this is rare. If you are added as a donor to the bone marrow registry, you will have a 4%
Does the donor have to be on any special diet or medicine before they donate?
Donors do not need to be a special diet. If they are donating stem cells from the blood stream, the donor will
Are there any side effects?
Generally side effects from donation are mild. If you are asked to consider donation, you will meet with a medical team to
How much does it cost? How do most people pay for it?
The cost is $80,000-$250,000 for the actual procedure. There are other hospital expenses incurred. Most people pay through insurance, Medicaid, and/or charity
What is the percentage of success?
There is a 90+% that the cells will engraft. From there, it is dependent on the indication of the transplant and how
How do they determine a match?
If the cheek swab DNA matches the recipients DNA, they will proceed with further testing.
How long does it take to donate/receive?
For the donor, it is a multi-step process: first you start off with a cheek swab and then you will be added
How long does it take to work?
Once the BMT is given, the cells will begin to take residence in the bone marrow space with in hours. It will
How does the bone marrow work to help the body?
Through the source of oxygen carrying red blood cells, blood clot forming cells, and the entire immune system.
Who/How can I donate?
Any adult between the ages of 18-60 that are in good health. They can not donate if they have a transmissible disease.