I have this friend who is in desperate need of bone marrow transplant...but how do I find out if I'm compatible for her....if at all?? Is everyone compatible or is it the same as blood groups??
2007-02-13 01:42:04 · 17 answers · asked by prettywoman 6 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
http://www.blood.co.uk/pages/marrow_info.html
Take a look at this link.
2007-02-13 01:47:16 · answer #1 · answered by richard_beckham2001 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are two ways of helping someone if they need a bone marrow transplant. One is where they remove bone marrow from the hip bone. The other way is just by giving a blood donation and they use the stem cells or something similar from that.
I work at the blood service in Australia and there is definitely not enough people donating blood. Only 1 in 30 people donate blood but 1 in 3 people are going to need a blood product some time in their life. And it's funny how some people only start donating blood after a family member has received blood products for an illness or accident. If only they had donated prior to that, many people could have been helped. But better late than never!
Even if you are not a match for your friend, you may be for someone else. What a blessing to save someone's life.
2007-02-13 23:46:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are in the USA, you can get tested at a local sight.
The National Marrow Donor Program runs the overall program in the USA.
National Marrow Donor Program
Suite 500
3433 Broadway Street, NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
1-800-MARROW-2
http://www.marrow.org
While you probably will not be a match for your friend, many people need donors. It would be an admirable thing to register even if you are never called to donate.
The actual compatiblity test is just a blood test (a couple of vials). As I mentioned, it is unlikely any 2 people are compatible. You need not only be compatible in type but, also their are a certain number antigens that must match. When testing as a possible kidney donor, they look at 6 antigens.
The donation is a one-day operation where they extract bone marrow from your hip under anastesia. Yes, you will wake up with a pain in the lower back but, you should recover back to normal in less than 2 weeks. A small price for a saved life in my opinion. All financial costs are carried by the recipient.
2007-02-13 05:37:48 · answer #3 · answered by oncogenomics 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To find out compatability of a match its done simply by a blood test. This is a very complex matching system and even same members of the family have only a 25% chance of a close match. Everyone is compatable to someone in the world and the only way is to register with the Bone Marow Trust, usually the Anthony Nolan Trust which can be found on the internet quite easily. Hope this helps.
2007-02-13 22:30:19 · answer #4 · answered by laney 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Compatability can be determined by a simple cheek swab or a blood test. It is unlikely that you will be compatible, but then again... you could save her (or someone else's) life. There is a national bone marrow registry program. It is a good cause, and the pain from donation is minimal when compared to the incredible gift you'd be giving.
2007-02-13 01:51:59 · answer #5 · answered by SA16 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have joined the bone marrow register, To be a donor you have to have an exact match of tissue type, i am on the register but might never be called due to that fact, Yes it is supposed to be painful but if you can save a life then it is worth it, Go to a blood donation centre , they can register you, you will be added to the register, automatically that register should be checked for your friend, if you were compatible then they would contact you..
Give your friend my get well wishes and i hope she finds a suitable donor soon!!!
2007-02-13 09:01:31 · answer #6 · answered by anney 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Compatibility is fairly complex, it does not go on just blood group there are many factors which are assessed. If you would like to help her (or someone else who needs a transplant) you should talk to her about it and you can be tested for suitability (blood test initially)
2007-02-13 02:08:06 · answer #7 · answered by huggz 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I congratulate you for being that philanthropic - yes go try. Yes it is painful (but only for a short while) and even if you are NOT a compatible donor to your friend - another equally ill person just might be and you will have the pleasure of knowing you may just have saved some-one's life.
make contact with the Anthony Nolan Trust - they should be able to put you in contact with your nearest donor centre.
Good luck - and I hope your friend finds a suitable donor soon and is restored to full health very quickly.
2007-02-13 22:04:11 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hi, my understanding is that there are other pre requisites for donors. I wanted to join the register a few years ago but the health of my parents prevented me being able to. Now I may be wrong but its a consideration..
I think your desire to help your friend is really admirable and hope that you dont get too disappointed if there is not a way of physically helping your friend. You sound like a great friend who is supporting her anyway, and am sure that is as much of a gift. x
2007-02-13 22:47:46 · answer #9 · answered by littleflymole 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
be prepared for some pain if you do. I had a double bone marrow biopsy when I had cancer.
The doc can do a blood test to see if you are compatible.
Good luck and really the pain would be worth it.
2007-02-13 01:52:37 · answer #10 · answered by sandrarosette 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Anthony Nolan Trust is the definitive authority. It is exceptionally unlikely that you are compatible with your friend - it is all about tissue typing.
I have been on their register for over 20 years and they have never found anyone for me to donate to.
2007-02-13 01:48:47 · answer #11 · answered by Essex Ron 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋