Marrow Donation

If you are found to be a match for a patient, more testing will need to be done to determine if you are the best suitable match for the patient. Additional testing includes collecting blood samples and a physical exam and/or another blood or cheek swab sample. If you are still identified as the best donor for the patient, an information session will be scheduled so you can learn more about the donation process.

Approximately 20%-30% of collections are performed via Marrow Tissue

Doctors collect the cells, with a special needle, from the pelvic bone where a small amount of marrow (containing stem cells) is extracted. This is a surgical (outpatient)procedure done under general or local anesthesia so the donor does not experience pain during the collection process.

Privacy is of the utmost importance. All donor information is treated with the highest confidentiality and stored in a secure system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the process for donating marrow?
A: While the donor is under general anesthesia (or is given an epidural in some cases), a hollow needle is inserted into the back of the pelvic bone to collect the marrow. The procedure lasts from 45-90 minutes. The marrow will replace itself within several weeks.

Q: What is the marrow donation process like?
A: Marrow donation will be scheduled at a hospital. In some cases, the hospital may be near your home. In other cases, you may be asked to travel. We will guide you through the process and be available the day of your marrow donation.

• You will arrive at the hospital outpatient facility on the day of the donation
• You will be given anesthesia to block the pain during the marrow donation. If general anesthesia is used, you will be unconscious during the donation. If you receive regional anesthesia (either spinal or epidural), medication will block sensation in the affected area, but you will remain aware of your surroundings.
• During the marrow donation, you will be lying on your stomach. While the donation varies slightly from hospital to hospital, generally, the doctors make one to four small incisions through the skin over the back of the pelvic bone with a special needle to draw out the marrow.
• You will be monitored closely by hospital staff until the anesthesia wears off and afterwards. Most donors go home the same day.
• After you leave the hospital, DKMS will follow-up with you about your physical condition and any side effects you may be experiencing

Q: Does donating marrow hurt?
A: After the procedure, it is common to feel soreness or pain in the lower back for a few days, however,side effects vary from person to person. The common side effects of marrow donation include:

Lower back pain, Fatigue, Stiffness when walking, bleeding at the collection site.

Some donors describe the pain as similar to achy hip bones or falling on their buttocks. Others say it feels more like a strained muscle in the back.

Most donors are back to their usual routine in a few days, and your marrow naturally replaces itself within four to six weeks.

Q: Where is the marrow donation procedure performed?
A: We try to schedule the procedure at a hospital near you. Normally, donors are released a few hours after the procedure, but recuperation time varies from donor to donor.

Q: Are donors asked to give more than once?
A: Not unless absolutely necessary. We’ve developed the Replacement Donor Program to avoid asking a donor to give more than one time.