Bone marrow donation

Bone Marrow Donation

Bone marrow donation is a medical procedure that involves the extraction of bone marrow from a healthy individual, known as the donor, to be transplanted into a patient who is suffering from a disease that affects the production of blood cells.

Pronunciation

Bone Marrow Donation: /bōn ˈmerō dōˈnāSH(ə)n/

Etymology

The term "bone marrow donation" is derived from the English words "bone", "marrow", and "donation". "Bone" and "marrow" refer to the spongy tissue inside some bones, such as the hip and thigh bones, that contains immature cells, called stem cells. "Donation" refers to the act of giving something voluntarily without payment.

Procedure

The bone marrow transplantation procedure begins with the donor undergoing tests to ensure they are a suitable match for the patient. Once confirmed, the donor is given medication to increase the number of stem cells in their blood. The bone marrow is then extracted from the donor's hip bone using a special needle. The extracted marrow is then processed and transplanted into the patient's bloodstream, where it travels to the bones and begins producing new blood cells.

Related Terms

• Stem cell
• Bone marrow transplantation
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• Leukemia
• Anemia

Risks and Complications

While bone marrow donation is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications. These may include pain at the donation site, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. The recipient may also experience complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), where the donated cells attack the recipient's body.

See Also

• Blood donation
• Organ donation

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