Blood and Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation

Blood and bone marrow stem cell donation is a medical procedure where a donor's healthy stem cells are collected and transplanted into a recipient's body to replace damaged or diseased stem cells.

Types of Donations

• Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation: This is the most common type of donation. Stem cells are collected from the donor's bloodstream, usually through a process called apheresis, where the blood is drawn out and the stem cells are separated and collected.
• Bone Marrow Donation: This involves collecting stem cells directly from the donor's bone marrow, typically from the hip or pelvis. The procedure is done under general anesthesia or sedation.

Donor Eligibility

To be eligible to donate blood and bone marrow stem cells, a person must:

• Be between 18 and 60 years old (in some cases, up to 65 years old)
• Be in good physical health
• Have a compatible tissue type with the recipient
• Not have any serious medical conditions, such as cancer, HIV, or hepatitis
• Not be pregnant or breastfeeding

Donation Process

The donation process typically involves the following steps:

1. Initial Screening: The donor undergoes a medical examination and provides a blood sample to check for compatibility with the recipient.
2. Stem Cell Mobilization: If the donor is eligible, they may receive injections of a medication called filgrastim to stimulate the production of stem cells in their bone marrow.
3. Apheresis or Bone Marrow Harvest: The donor's stem cells are collected through apheresis or bone marrow harvest, depending on the type of donation.
4. Stem Cell Processing and Storage: The collected stem cells are processed and stored for transplantation into the recipient.

Risks and Side Effects

Donating blood and bone marrow stem cells can involve some risks and side effects, including:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Pain or discomfort at the collection site
• Infection or bleeding complications
• Allergic reactions to medications used during the donation process

Recipient Transplantation

The recipient receives the donated stem cells through an intravenous infusion, usually after undergoing conditioning therapy to prepare their body for the transplant.

Post-Donation Care

After donating blood and bone marrow stem cells, the donor typically requires:

• Rest and recovery time
• Pain management medication
• Follow-up medical appointments to monitor their health and ensure they are recovering well