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FAQs
If
you are like most people, you will have a few basic questions
about what it means to get tested. It's natural to be unsure
and perhaps a bit apprehensive.
What
exactly is a marrow / stem cell transplant?
Simply, it is the replacement of diseased marrow with marrow
from a healthy donor. It is infused into a patient's vein
just like a blood transfusion. Within 2-3 weeks, the marrow
/ stem cells begin to produce normal blood cells in the patient.
If
I am a match, will the donation process be harmful to me?
Nowadays, most stem cell donation is done by a minimally invasive
procedure. It involves an injection that releases the stem
cells from your bone marrow into your blood stream. Your blood
will then be drawn, the stem cells harvested, and the rest
of your blood given back to you. This procedure requires no
anesthesia and no hospital stay and is minimally painful.
What
is the blood test process to see if I am a match?
To get tested, you will provide a small sample of blood (about
a spoonful) at a blood drive, test center, or by your physician.
Your blood will then be HLA-typed. This information will then
be stored in a national registry. That way, if a match comes
up with a patient in need down the road, the registry will
be able to contact you.
How
do I know if I am a match?
If you are found to be a possible match with Anu or another
patient, you will be contacted immediately and give you the
option of proceeding to the next level/s of testing to insure
final compatibility.
What
are the chances of finding a compatible donor?
The chance of matching Anu or any other patient is 1 in 20,000
to 1 in 100,000. It is vital that everyone get tested to increase
Anu's and other patients' chances of survival. YOU could be
that special life-giving person!
Can
I be a donor?
Yes, you can be a donor as long as you are in generally good
health, between 18-60 years of age, with no history of cancer,
diabetes, or certain other conditions (if you are in doubt,
please check with us).
What
if I can't make it to this blood drive?
Several blood test drives are scheduled in the upcoming weeks
around the country. Visit www.samarinfo.org for locations,
dates, and times.
What
if I've already registered before?
We thank you for your generosity. If you have already registered
in the National Marrow Donor program, you do not need to be
tested again. Your information is already in the database.
However, please make sure your contact information in the
registry remains updated in case you are a potential match.
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