What exactly is a marrow / stem cell transplant?
Simply, it is the replacement of diseased marrow with marrow from a health donor
infused into a patient’s vein just like a blood transfusion. Within two to three weeks
the transplanted marrow / stem cells begin to produce normal blood cells in the patient.
Is marrow/stem cell transplantation a proven technique? Eighteen years ago marrow transplants were done only as a patient’s last hope. Today,
thousands of lives are saved every year at approved medical centers worldwide.
Which diseases can be treated by marrow transplant? Over 50 diseases including the leukemias, aplastic anemia, severe combined immune
deficiency, sickle cell anemia and radiation poisoning are treated by marrow transplant.
What are the actual chances of finding a suitable marrow\stem cell donor?The odds are 1 in 20,000 of identifying an unrelated compatible marrow donor.. much
higher, however, for patients of minority heritage. You could be that life giving person!
Are donors matched only against American patients?
No, the patient could be anywhere in the world. Many, many American patients have
found donors from International donor sources.
Who can become a marrow / stem cell donor? You must be between 18 and 60 years old, have no history of hepatitis, heart disease,
cancer or AIDS, possess a positive attitude and pride in wanting to become a donor,
and sign a consent form allowing the Registry to include your HLA tissue type in its
confidential files for future matching.
And it only takes a simple blood test to get started? Once the consent form is signed, YES, it’s that simple. The remaining sample is stored
to be used for upper level testing if you should match at the first level. Of course, your
consent to do so would be obtained.
What does the initial HLA testing cost? It costs the Registry $75 to test and enroll a new donor. If a donor cares to donate all
or part of that cost the donation is acknowledged for tax purposes as allowed under law.
How is the test sample collected?
A "finger stick" collection kit us used to obtain a couple of drops of blood.
Complete instructions are included with the kit.
How do I know if I am a match?
If you are found to be a possible match with a patient we will contact you immediately
and give you the option of proceeding to the next level/s of testing to insure final HLA
compatibility with the patient.
Who pays for these tests?
Not you - the patient or his/her medical insurance does.
What happens if I am a match? If the match is confirmed the transplant can be scheduled but only with your legal consent
after in-depth counseling and a thorough physical examination.
Okay, now tell me how my marrow is collected? Two procedures are available for marrow collection.
1. Peripheral blood stem cell collecction…..You are given small injections of
Neupogen/Filgrastin for 3 to 5 days to force your marrow to overproduce marrow
or stem cells which are then released into your circulating blood. The stem cells
are collected by removing blood from a vein in your arm, passing it through a filter
system which collects the stem cells and returns the remaining blood to you…a
4 to 5 hour procedure.
2. Bone marrow harvest ….You are given light general anesthesia so that you feel
nothing during the procedure. Only 2% to 3% of your marrow is withdrawn from
the large crest of your hip bone through special sterile needles .. a 30 to 45 minute
procedure. You may go home the same day or the next day.
Are there any risks or side effects?
1. Peripheral blood stem cell collection (PBSC) .....You might experience some flu- like
symptoms, bone pain, or a feeling of heaviness during the injections. These
discomforts usually disappear soon after the collection is completed. This will
be discussed in detail with you.
2. Bone marrow harvest...Other than the remote chance of a reaction to anesthesia
or an infection the risks are minimal. This will be explained to you in detail. You
may experience some soreness in the lower back for a few days.
Can I withdraw as a donor any time I want to?
Up until the time you provide us with your final, legal consent to proceed to harvest- YES!
But we hope that you would not want to change your mind as too much is at stake for the
patient needing your help
American Bone Marrow Donor Registry DBA: Bone Marrow Donor Registry-American
a 501c3 organization
