Bone Marrow Harvesting
Overview
Bone marrow donation is a generous and powerful way to help a patient with a life-threatening illness like leukemia, lymphoma, or other serious blood disorders. While it sounds complex, the procedure is safe, routine, and carefully managed by our dedicated medical team, and it could save a life.
In a bone marrow harvest, these stem cells are collected directly from the donor’s pelvic bone using a special, sterile needle. It’s not surgery in the traditional sense—no stitches or large cuts are involved—and donors are under general or spinal anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure.
Procedure
Preparing Your Body
Before donating, you’ll have a complete health evaluation to ensure you’re a safe match for the patient and that donation is safe for you too. This includes blood tests and a visit with the medical team.
The Donation Day
The procedure takes place in a hospital and typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours. You’ll be under general or regional anesthesia, so you’ll be fully asleep or completely numb below the waist. The doctors will use a needle to draw bone marrow from the back of your pelvic bone. No incisions are made, and no bone is removed, just liquid marrow
After Donation
After the procedure, you’ll rest and be monitored for a few hours or overnight. It’s common to feel soreness in your lower back, like a bruise, for a few days. Most donors return to regular activities within a week. Your body naturally replaces the donated marrow within a few weeks.
You are in Good Hands
Our team is here to care for you throughout the entire donation process. We take every step to ensure your safety and comfort, and we’ll answer all your questions along the way
By donating, you’re giving more than just cells, you’re offering hope to a patient in need of a life-saving transplant. Thank you for considering this incredible act of kindness.