A: The marrow is removed through a hollow surgical needle inserted several times into the iliac crest (back of the pelvic bone). All donors receive either general or regional anesthesia. The typical donation procedure can last from 45-90 minutes. Since marrow constantly regenerates itself, the donor's system will replace the extracted marrow completely within several weeks.

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Q: Are there any risks involved in marrow donation?

A: As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk involved. Serious complications are rare but could include anesthesia reactions, infection, transfusion reactions, or injuries at the needle insertion sites. The NMDP and its centers take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the donor. A number of personal health questions are asked when individuals join the Registry to be sure they are in general good health. Before actually becoming a donor, a volunteer will receive a thorough physical examination.

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Q: Does marrow donation hurt?

A: Following the procedure, donors can expect to feel some soreness in the lower back for a few days or longer. Some donors have also reported feeling fatigued and having some difficulty walking.

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Q: Where is the marrow donation done?

A: The NMDP works with more than 100 medical centers nationwide. Usually, a donor doesn't have to go far from home for the procedure. The donor usually enters the hospital the morning of the procedure and sometimes spends the night there. Afterward, the time it takes to recuperate varies from person to person. Most donors are back to their usual routine within a few days. Some may take two or three weeks before they feel completely recovered.

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Q: How many people have donated marrow?

A: More than 11,000 individuals have donated marrow for unrelated patients since the NMDP began operation in 1987. Thousands more, perhaps 50-60,000, have donated for family members.

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Q: Can marrow or blood stem cells be collected in advance and stored like blood or plasma?

A: Marrow and peripheral blood stem cells are not collected prior to determining a match between the potential donor and recipient. The safety and well being of donors is the first concern of the NMDP. While the risks associated with undergoing the donation process are low, it is better to avoid medical procedures of any kind unless absolutely necessary. This applies to donation of marrow or blood stem cells. Also, the NMDP has more than 4 million potential donors in its Registry. Currently, the NMDP facilitates about 130 transplants per month. Given that ratio of actual transplants to that of potential donors, it isn't practical to consider storing marrow or blood stem cells.

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Additional Report Forms (Downloadable PDF Documents):

General Facts and Figures about Donors (252K)
General Facts and Figures about Minority Donors (112K)
A List of Bone Marrow Donor Recruitment Drives in the Los Angeles Area (71K)