Want To Become A Stem Cell Donor? Here Are Some Of The Important Things To Know

Want To Become A Stem Cell Donor? Here Are Some Of The Important Things To Know

People suffering from diseases like lymphoma, myeloma or leukemia may need a bone marrow transplant for betterment and health progress. This can be done only when there is a stem cell donor willing to give their bone marrow to be transplanted. But there are different and most important things to consider in this process. First of all, the bone marrow will be successfully transplanted only if the stem cells of donor and the recipient match with each other. Moreover, to be a donor, there are many dos and don’ts that you have to keep in mind.

Things to know before becoming a stem cell donor

  1. Part match may donate

Sometimes your cells cannot match completely but it can have a 50% match. In some cases, you can still be able to donate the stem cells or the bone marrow to your relative. This is often known as the haploidentical transplant. But if you don’t match, you will not be able to donate.

  1. Age criteria

Anyone who is aged between 18 and 50 or 55 with good health can become a potential stem cell donor. All you have to do is to register for the donation and you will go through several checkups and tests to finally confirm whether or not you can donate.

  1. No underlying diseases

Sometimes a persona can think that they are healthy but there can be some underlying diseases. These can be cancer, diabetes and many more diseases which are not allowed for the stem cell donor donor match. If you have any of these diseases or you may have had some diseases before, then doctors may not take your donation request.

  1. Underweight or obesity not allowed

If the donor is underweight or overweight i.e. obese, then the doctors or the registry council can exclude you from becoming a potential stem cell donor. If your BMI i.e. body mass index is more than 40, then the doctors consider it as obese and you may not be able to donate the blood stem cells to the patient.

  1. Nervous or mental illness

The eligibility of the stem cell donor also depends on the severity of the anxiety or depression. First of all, a potential donor has to be physically fit and healthy. But if they are mentally unstable or have any illness, then it cannot be considered. Often the drugs taken due to nervous illness or mental illness can drop the blood count. In such cases, taken stem cells from them can be a risky job.

Final Words

These are some of the most important things that you have to consider when you are thinking about becoming a stem cell donor. You can register your name or any of the potential donors in one of the registries. Make sure to a little bit of research on the different types of registries available. This will help you to know which one is the best and most reliable. Then you can proceed with the rest of the formalities for being a donor.

Gift of Life Also Offers Following Services :

Bone Marrow Cheek Swab

Leukemia Marrow Transplant

Contact US:

Gift of Life Marrow Registry
Address:  800 Yamato Rd suite 101  Boca Raton, FL
Phone: (800) 962-7769