Health Tip: Donating Bone Marrow

It can save someone's life


(HealthDay News) -- A bone marrow transplant can be a lifesaver for someone with leukemia or other diseases of the blood.

According to the National Marrow Donor Program, the donor is anesthetized, and a needle is inserted into the pelvic bone to withdraw the liquid bone marrow. Then, many donors receive a transfusion of their own previously donated blood. Within about six weeks, the donor's body has completely replenished the marrow that was donated.

Once the marrow is harvested, it is injected into the bloodstream of the recipient, to replace marrow that has been damaged by disease. Soon, the donor marrow cells begin to multiply and create new, healthy marrow in the recipient.


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