If you are a match

Once in the registry, you could be contacted as a donor until age 60. If you are a potential donor for a patient in need, further blood testing and a physical will be done to confirm that you are a perfect match. If you are a match, you may be asked to donate in one of two ways: non-surgical or surgical. A non-surgical procedure (Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation), similar to donating plasma, separates the necessary stem cells from your blood through a needle in your arm. The surgical procedure removes marrow directly from your pelvic bone and is done under general anesthesia. If selected as a donor, it is ultimately your decision on which method of donation you choose.