top of page
Writer's pictureDr. ARUN V J

TME 10: What is bone marrow donation? How is it collected?

Introduction

Every year, countless individuals around the world face life-threatening diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia and other blood-related disorders. For many of these patients, a bone marrow transplant represents their best chance at survival. Fortunately, there are heroes among us – selfless individuals who choose to donate their bone marrow to save a life. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of bone marrow donation, the process involved, and the impact it can have on both donors and recipients.



A person donating blood
Stem cell donation is a simple procedure that can save a family


The Importance of Bone Marrow Donation

Bone marrow is a vital component of our body's blood production system. It contains stem cells that can develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. For patients with certain blood disorders, a transplant of healthy bone marrow can replace damaged or diseased cells, offering a chance for a cure. The need for bone marrow donors is particularly critical because finding a match is not always easy due to the complexity of human leukocyte antigens (HLA), the proteins that determine tissue compatibility.


The Power of a Match:

Finding a suitable bone marrow donor is like finding a needle in a haystack. The closer the match, the better the chances of a successful transplant. Siblings have a 25% chance of being a perfect match, but the majority of patients rely on unrelated donors. This is where the global bone marrow registry plays a crucial role. Organizations like DKMS, DATRI , Be The Match connect potential donors with those in need, expanding the pool of potential matches and increasing the likelihood of finding a compatible donor.


The Donation Process:

There are two main methods of bone marrow donation: peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) donation and bone marrow donation. The method chosen depends on the patient's needs and the donor's health.

The process may seem daunting, but advancements in medical technology have made it increasingly safe and straightforward. Donors are carefully screened to ensure their health and compatibility, and they are provided with comprehensive information about the process to make an informed decision.


What is Apheresis for Bone Marrow Donation

Apheresis is a method of collecting stem cells from the peripheral blood of a donor. It is an alternative to the surgical procedure of harvesting bone marrow from the pelvic bone. Apheresis is less invasive and has fewer side effects than bone marrow donation, but it requires more preparation and time. The procedure can be done in an outpatient setup or admitted for just 1 day.

Before apheresis, the donor receives injections of a drug called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for four to five days. This drug stimulates the bone marrow to produce and release more stem cells into the bloodstream. The donor may experience some side effects from the drug, such as bone pain, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting which can be managed easily.


Flow chart showing stem cell donation
Stem cell donation flow

During apheresis, the donor is connected to a machine that separates the blood into its components. A needle is inserted into a vein in each arm. Blood is drawn from one arm, passed through the machine, and returned to the other arm. The machine collects the stem cells and returns the other blood components back to the donor. The process takes about two to four hours.

The donor can resume normal activities within a day or two. The collected stem cells are stored and transported to the recipient, who receives them through an infusion into a vein. The stem cells then travel to the bone marrow and start producing new blood cells.

Apheresis is a safe and effective way of donating stem cells for a bone marrow transplant. The donated stem cells is collected into a bag.


A man holding a blood bag
Stem cells are collected in a bag

The Impact on Donors and Recipients:

For donors, the decision to donate bone marrow is an incredibly rewarding experience. Knowing that you have the power to save a life can be a profound and life-changing realization. Many donors express a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in knowing that their selfless act has made a tangible difference in someone else's life.


For recipients, a successful bone marrow transplant can mean a second chance at life. It's not just about surviving; it's about regaining the ability to lead a healthy, fulfilling life, surrounded by loved ones. The impact of a bone marrow transplant goes beyond physical health, extending to emotional and psychological well-being.


Conclusion:

Bone marrow donation is a powerful act of kindness and generosity. It bridges the gap between hope and despair, offering a lifeline to those facing life-threatening blood disorders. By becoming a bone marrow donor, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on someone's life, and in doing so, become a beacon of hope in the fight against these devastating diseases. Consider registering as a donor today – you might be the hero someone is desperately waiting for.

11 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page