What does BMW mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Bone marrow is the soft, sponge-like tissue in the interior of your bones. It contains special cells that produce all types of blood cells including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Bone marrow can be donated through a procedure called peripheral blood stem cell donation (PBSC). This involves having a needle inserted into a vein in both arms, one arm to collect donors’ blood and the other to replace the donated bone marrow with saline and donor red cell concentrate.

The entire donation process can take up to 4 hours. However, it usually takes an average of 2-3 hours from the time you arrive at the donation centre until you leave.

Yes, donating bone marrow is safe. The donor's own stem cells used for PBSC are returned back to them after they have been processed and tested for safety. Donors should also be aware that there may be some side effects experienced such as feeling weak or tired after donating.

There are some risks associated with donating bone marrow including infection from needles used during collection and possible allergic reactions due to transfused fluids or drugs given during the procedure. There is always a risk of death but this is extremely rare and only happens in less than 0.1% of donors.

Usually no, there is no financial remuneration for those who donate their bone marrow but most people who do it cite altruistic reasons such as wanting to help save someone else’s life. In some cases though, donors may receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $2,000 USD as part actual cost of travel needed in order to attend their donation appointment at an approved center.

People facing serious illnesses like leukemia or lymphoma require a life saving transplant of healthy cells taken from another person's body which usually comes from a compatible donor within their family or from an unrelated donor on international registry lists such as Be The Match or DKMS.

Before becoming an approved donor, you must complete a health history questionnaire which includes questions about your general health and lifestyle habits as well as information about your ethnicity and family medical history.