What to Expect

Bone marrow donation is safe and private.

We're sure you have questions. Knowing what to expect is important.

If you are identified as a potential match, there are two ways - both outpatient procedures - that you can give life.

• Marrow Donation: Approximately 20%-30% of collections

Doctors collect the cells, with a special needle, from the pelvic bone where a small amount of marrow (containing stem cells) is extracted. This is a surgical (outpatient)procedure done under general or local anesthesia so the donor does not experience pain during the collection process.


• Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC): Approximately 70%-80% of collections

PBSC donation, called apheresis, involves receiving daily medication for four to five days before the date of collection to increase blood stem cells in the bloodstream. The donors blood is removed from one arm, passed through a machine that separates out the cells used in transplant, and returned through the other arm.

Though donor preferences are considered, the method chosen ultimately depends on the treatment decision of the physician in care of the patient.

After you've completed the donation process, expect to feel the happiness that only saving a life can bring.

Donors tell us it is among the most rewarding experiences in their lives.

Start the process now, begin the signup to be a DKMS donor.

Source: DKMS Americas (Donating Bone Marrow)