1. After reading the informational material and upon signing the consent, a blood sample is drawn for HLA typing. The HLA type is reported as a series of numbers such as: A1 A11 B18 B35. HLA stands for “Human Leukocyte Antigen:” and is determined by tissue typing the white blood cells.
2. The test results are recorded in the Registry computer files and compared to patients’ HLA types. If your HLA type matches a patient’s HLA type, you will be contacted by letter or telephone and asked to have a second blood test to determine your DNA type. Upon receipt of a second signed consent, blood is drawn or your frozen sample is tested. Again, this is reported as a series of numbers such as: DRB1*1101 DRB*1402. THERE IS NO FEE! This step and all subsequent steps are the financial responsibility of the patient.
3. If you continue to match, a third blood test is drawn after obtaining your consent. Your blood and the patient’s are retested to confirm the reported types. Further DNA studies of your cells are done to determine true compatibility.
4. If step three shows compatibility, the potential donor is notified and scheduled for counseling by a marrow transplant team. The potential donor is asked to bring a family member or support person along. The entire marrow harvest procedure is explained in detail, and risks and/or complications that could occur are discussed at that time.
5. After the consultation with the collection (or harvest) team the potential donor is asked to consider his/her final consent. After consenting to the procedure, he/she is given a complete physical examination to insure and protect the health of the donor as well as the patient.
6. The donor usually enters the hospital the morning of the procedure. The marrow collection is done under light anesthesia. A specially designed needle is inserted into the marrow cavity of the crest of each hip bone one to two times, depending upon the size of the recipient, to withdraw marrow mixed with blood. Only 2% to 3% of a donor’s marrow is collected. (Marrow is a fluid and looks like blood.) The donor may go home the same day or the following morning. The most common side effect is soreness in the lower back area for a few days.
7. Marrow (which is liquid) is given to the patient by IV. If the transplant is successful, the new marrow begins to produce normal healthy blood cells within two to three weeks.
8. The body replaces the donor’s marrow within three to four weeks.

Direct contact between the donor and the recipient is deferred for one year and must be mutually desired by both. Timing may be determined by the protocol of the patient’s transplant center and/or Federal regulations.

AHEPA Bone Marrow Donor Registry

Donor Activity Center

12 Lexington Drive

Livingston, NJ 07039

866-243-7237

Fax: 973-992-6080

Email: Ahepabmdr@comcast.net