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DESCRIPTION OF DONATION OPTIONS
Bone Marrow: Marrow is found in the hollow cavities of the body's large bones. Donation involves withdrawing 2-3 percent of the donor's total marrow from the iliac crest of the hip, posterior aspect of the donor's pelvic bone. There is no cutting or stitching. The procedure involves a needle aspiration, performed using an anesthetic. Typically, the donor enters a medical center’s outpatient facility in the morning and goes home in the afternoon!

Blood Stem Cells: It is now possible to collect stem cells from the peripheral blood rather than the bone marrow. Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is a new, innovative and promising therapy. In order to collect a sufficient quantity of stem cells, injections of a medication called filgrastim must be administered. This mobilizes stem cells to travel from the bone marrow into the circulating blood. The stem cells are collected through a procedure called apheresis, which is similar to the process used in platelet donation. A cell separating machine filters out the stem cells, which can them be infused in the recipient.

MARROW VS. BLOOD STEM CELLS
While bone marrow currently remains the most commonly requested stem cell source, some donors may be asked to donate peripheral blood stem cells in lieu of marrow. It appears that recipients of blood stem cells recover faster than those who receive bone marrow. Please bear in mind that it is the transplant physicians who choose the stem cell source, not the registry. Donors requested for blood stem cell collection will be counseled on the entire process at an information session. With proper guidance, the ultimate decision to donate is up to the donor. If a donor declines to donate blood stem cells, he or she may also be offered the opportunity to donate bone marrow.