1. After reading the information and signing the consent a buccal swab sample
is collected for
HLA typing. The HLA type is reported as a series of numbers,
e.g.
A1 A11 B18 B35
DR7 DR13. HLA stands for “Human Leukocyte Antigen”
and
is determined
from the buccal(cheek) sample.
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
mail
and/or phone to obtain your consent
to proceed to the
next level of testing.
THERE IS NO FEE! This step and
all subsequent steps
are the financial responsibility
of the patient.
3. The final step requires that a sample of your blood be sent to the patient’s
transplant
center where your blood and the patient’s are retested to confirm
the reported types.
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 harvest team. The donor is asked
to bring a family member
or support person along. Marrow harvest
procedures
are explained in detail and risks
and/or complications which
could occur are discussed.
5.After the consultation if the donor agrees to proceed 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 goes to
the hospital on the last day of Neupogen
njections for the outpatient PBSC
collection and goes home soon
after the procedure.
OR…
The donor usually enters the hospital the
morning of the marrow
harvest procedure and may go home the same
day or the next day.
7. Marrow or stem cells are collected in sealed plastic bags (similar to blood
collection bags) and are placed in a special container. The container is hand
carried
by a designated courier to the patient’s transplant center. It is never
shipped!
8.Marrow or stem cells (in liquid solution) are given to the patient by IV.
If the
transplant is successful, the new marrow begins to produce normal
healthy blood
cells within two to four weeks. The patient has received the chance-of-a-lifetime!
9. The donor’s marrow is replaced by the body within three to four weeks.
10. The patient or his/her medical insurance is responsible for all costs
associated
with the harvest. The donor cannot be paid but can be
reimbursed
for any expenses
incurred.
Direct contact between the donor and the recipient is deferred for one yearand must be
mutually desired.Timing may be determined by the protocol of the patient’s transplant
center and/or Federal regulations.
