Bone Marrow Registry  

"What is involved in becoming a bone marrow donor? First, a small blood sample is taken from one's arm and is then analyzed to determine its human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type. The results are added to NDMP's main computer - where marrow types of patients and prospective donors are matched. When a donor is found, he/she is fully informed of the process and undergoes further physical testing. Once final donor consent is obtained, marrow is surgically removed from the back of the pelvic bone using a special needle and syringe while the donor is under local anesthesia.

The donor's marrow is generally given to the patient the same day. People are often surprised to learn that the bone marrow transplant is not an operation. Although the collection of marrow is retrieved while the donor is under anesthesia, the patient receives the marrow as they would a blood transfusion. The donor generally experiences some discomfort for a few days where the marrow was collected."