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How do bone marrow matches work?
Doctors match donors to patients based on their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue type. HLA are proteins, or markers, found on most cells in your body. Your immune system uses these markers to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not.
What happens if your a bone marrow match?
If you are on the Be The Match Registry and you donated through Be The Match, you will be covered by a donor life, disability and medical insurance policy for complications directly related to the donation.
Why are there medical guidelines for bone marrow donation?
Medical guidelines when you match a patient. Bone marrow donation guidelines protect the health of donors and the patients receiving donated cells. These guidelines ensure that it is safe for you to donate and that your donation will provide the best possible outcome for the patient.
What is the difference between matching blood and matching donors?
Matching donors and patients is much more complex than matching blood types. Doctors match donors to patients based on their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue type. HLA are proteins, or markers, found on most cells in your body. Your immune system uses these markers to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not.
How do I know if I’m a close bone marrow match?
Donors and patients are matched by their HLA type, which is different from matching blood types. A simple cheek swab can help us determine whether you’re a close bone marrow match for a patient. Watch this short animated video to learn more about what HLA matching is and why a close HLA match is important.
What is the difference between PBSC and bone marrow donations?
The reality is that 77\% of donations are peripheral blood stem cells, which involves no surgery at all! PBSC donation is a nonsurgical procedure and the most common way to donate. Bone marrow donation is a surgical, usually outpatient procedure.