Bone marrow donation provides healthy blood-forming cells to patients with life-threatening diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders. This process, also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, offers a chance at recovery for those with compromised bone marrow. Strict guidelines are in place to ensure the safety and success of the donation for both donor and recipient.
Fundamental Eligibility Standards
Becoming a bone marrow donor requires meeting fundamental eligibility criteria. Most registries accept individuals aged 18 to 60, though the ideal age is 18 to 44, as younger donor grafts often improve transplant success rates. Donors must also be in general good health, free from chronic illnesses that could be exacerbated by donation or pose a risk to the recipient.
A healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is another important factor for donor eligibility. Most organizations require a BMI under 40, with some setting the limit at 35 for bone marrow donation. A high BMI increases risks associated with anesthesia and may complicate peripheral blood stem cell collection. Initial screenings are followed by more detailed medical evaluations for potential donors.
Medical Conditions That Disqualify
Various medical conditions can disqualify an individual to protect both donor and recipient. A history of most cancers, except for certain localized skin cancers like basal or squamous cell carcinoma, typically prevents donation. However, some “in situ” (early stage) cancers or precancerous cells might not disqualify a donor.
Autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease generally disqualify donors due to transmission risk or donor complications. Well-controlled conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease may be evaluated individually. Heart conditions, including a history of heart attack, significant heart disease, or requiring a pacemaker, are usually disqualifying. However, some well-controlled irregular heartbeats or successful cardiac ablation might be acceptable.
Severe lung conditions, such as COPD or severe asthma requiring regular medication, typically exclude individuals. Infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C are definitive disqualifiers due to high transmission risk. Blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia) also prevent donation. Chronic pain conditions necessitating ongoing medical treatment, such as daily pain medication, can also lead to disqualification.
Lifestyle and Behavioral Exclusions
Beyond medical conditions, certain lifestyle and behavioral factors can also lead to exclusion. A history of intravenous drug use is a permanent disqualifier due to the heightened risk of bloodborne infections, which could be transmitted to a vulnerable recipient. Even if drug use was long ago or a single instance, it typically prevents donation.
Recent tattoos or piercings may lead to a temporary deferral period, usually three to four months, to mitigate the risk of transmitting infections like hepatitis. Travel history to areas with a high prevalence of infectious diseases, like malaria or Zika virus, can also result in temporary deferral periods. This helps prevent disease transmission to a patient with a compromised immune system. Specific high-risk sexual behaviors that increase the likelihood of bloodborne pathogens may also lead to disqualification.