How do you qualify to donate bone marrow?

You can join the registry if you’re aged 18-35 and in good health (and meet a few other eligibility checks). You’ll be able to double check that you’re able to donate when you join. Unlike blood donation, there’s scientific evidence that younger people make the most successful bone marrow donors for patients.

Can bone marrow be donated to anyone?

Donating stem cells or bone marrow to a relative A brother or sister is most likely to be a match. There is a 1 in 4 chance of your cells matching. This is called a matched related donor (MRD) transplant. Anyone else in the family is unlikely to match.

How much do you have to weigh to give bone marrow?

There is not a minimum weight requirement. However, there are maximum BMI guidelines for donating marrow. These guidelines have been established to help ensure your safety as a donor. If you are called to donate, you will complete a health screening and physical exam before moving forward with donation.

What are the risks to donating bone marrow?

The Potential Risks. Risks related to donating bone marrow are mostly related to the risk of the surgical procedure. Anytime you have surgery, there are the risks of general anesthesia as well as the risk of bleeding and infection.

Do you get paid to be a bone marrow donor?

Under federal law, you can’t be paid for donating bone marrow or blood stem cells. In some states, your employer must give you time off from work to make the donation. This time off may be paid or unpaid, depending on your state.

Does a bone marrow donor have to pay medical cost?

If you donate to someone else, you may have to pay some of the costs of screening. The person who gets your blood cells or their health insurance will pay for the actual procedure. Under federal law, you can’t be paid for donating bone marrow or blood stem cells.

Is it dangerous to donate bone marrow?

Donating is dangerous. Almost all medical procedures come with possible side-effects. Bone marrow donation is no different, although the effects are rather minor. Donors may experience flu-like symptoms such as headaches, body aches, fatigue, nasusae, or soreness, but they will subside after a short amount of time.