Bone Marrow Donation
Bone marrow is a tissue found inside our bones. Its primary function is to create 95% of blood cells and participate in the proper functioning of our immune system. When a failure in its production or it is altered, it can trigger serious diseases threatening the life of the sufferer.
For many, the marrow transplant is the only viable solution. However, the chances of finding a donor who is compatible with the patient are quite small. To this we must add that we still lack a large bank donors. It is therefore very important to know what this technique and know where we have to lead if we are determined to help.
Although medicine has advanced and continues at a dramatic rate, still requires a voluntary acts as donations. The importance of donating blood, we must unite him of being willing to do the same with our bone marrow, as this may be the only hope of life for many sick people.
Given that the probability of compatibility between donor and patient is one in 40,000, from the Association for Bone Marrow Donation Extremadura (ADMO), stressing “the importance of creating a world solidarity network as long as possible, to and to reduce the number of deaths and give hope to many families who are suffering. ”
In this regard, it is estimated that currently around 12 million and a half of donors in the world and 50,000 in Spain. It is therefore a need for greater awareness to the population. “There are many misconceptions about this topic, people still believe that the gift is made by clicking on the spine and can leave paralyzed”, report from the association. The objectives of this are the information and the promotion of solidarity, to show that we can all be needed someday.
As with blood donation, to give our bone need to be adults and enjoy good health. This means not suffering from an illness and not following drug treatment. In addition, experts point out that there are certain situations such as tattoos, piercing or acupuncture, which are considered at risk for a possible blood contamination. Nor is allowed in pregnancy and during lactation, even when there were over 55 years of age.
If we are determined to do so and fulfill these requirements, we come to the center of our region that is authorized for this type of techniques, and make an appointment. In this, we report in detail the process that would take place. There must be clear that this donation is totally unselfish and do not receive any remuneration, but only pay for the expenses arising during the course of it.
Initially, “just need a blood test, apparently just as we always tend to do, but much more sophisticated and costly in terms of typing” comment from the ADMO. The results will form part of the Spanish Registry of Bone Marrow Donors.
Given this, we must bear in mind that “the probability that two unrelated people are compatible family is very small”, remember the experts, so that in most cases, the process ends here. However, if our bone is consistent with that of a patient, we communicate and, still want help prepare us for the donation.
Today, “90% of extractions are performed by apheresis, a technique used for platelet donation,” he said from the ADMO. The protocol which is a much less extensive in time and does not require anesthesia, so the inconvenience to the donor are considerably lower.
In the event that our bone is valid for a donation, we will be able to save a life. For all this, although it is very difficult to find a donor, you have to keep in mind that the more people are included in the donor bank, the greater the chances of success.