Marrow Donation Requires Several Steps

Thu., Aug. 27, 1998

Kristen Kromer Staff Writer

Though donating bone marrow may sound serious and painful, the process is actually quite routine. Laura Oiland, registered nurse and marrow program supervisor at Inland Northwest Blood Center, explained the often-misunderstood procedure of becoming a bone-marrow donor:

People interested in becoming bone-marrow donors are sent an information packet and a screening application to check for eligibility. Donors must be between 18 and 60, not excessively overweight (more than 25 percent over health guidelines) and fulfill certain health requirements.

Each stage of the process is voluntary. If the donor decides to continue, two tubes of blood are taken. One is tested to type the blood, and the other is frozen until a match is found.

If a preliminary match is found, a final sample of blood is taken. If the results show compatibility, the person is asked to consider being a donor.

“We just want to make sure the person is comfortable and to make sure the process doesn’t interfere in their own lives too much,” Oiland said.

“It’s a definite time commitment, and the donor will be stiff and sore for several days to weeks.”

After meeting with doctors for an extensive information session, the donor is asked for final consent. The donor is then given another physical - since that person could have been listed on the registry for weeks, months or years.

An appointment for collection of the marrow - a fluid that looks like blood - is scheduled. The procedure for area donors is usually done in Seattle and donors are typically flown there on a Thursday. Two to six puncture points - depending on the amount of marrow needed - are made in the hip bone with a special needle. Donors usually receive epidural anesthesia.

Travel, lodging, meal, hospital and any post-operation costs are covered for both the donor and a companion. Donors are generally flown home on Saturday and are ready to return to work - or their regular schedule - on Monday.

Donors sometimes have to pay to be listed on the registry because the cost of testing the blood is so high.

Right now in Spokane, it costs $20 to be listed on the registry. That amount changes depending on available funds from donations and grants and the number of people on the registry. The registry always needs donors of ethnic heritage.

Because the cost is always changing, it is best to check with the marrow program often.

“It takes a little of everyone’s help to be able to do this,” Oiland said. “And if everyone gives as much as they can, we can save lives.”

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