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Do Organ Donations include Bone Marrow?

This topic has 6 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 16 years, 8 months ago by jaxem.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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August 31, 2007 at 5:35 pm #19165

jonelle
Member

Just curious — Can Bone Marrow be harvested much like a heart or other organ upon a person’s brain death?

September 4, 2007 at 1:16 pm #19166

jonelle
Member

Just found an answer in case anyone is interested – http://www.2ndwind.org/transplantation/organ_donation/index.html
– has info on this subject. What a wonderful contribution any healthy individual can make to his/her fellow human beings!!

“Tissue donation has become an increasingly important area to cover in any discussion on donation. Tissue donation can occur even when someone dies at home. Tissues that can be donated include skin, bone, bone marrow, corneas (from the eyes), and heart valves. Skin grafts are used for burn victims; bone is molded and used in reconstructive surgery; corneas are transplanted to give sight; and heart valves are used in valve replacement surgery. A donor who donates everything can save up to seven people and benefit up to 50 people. Even then an open casket funeral is possible as all organs and tissues are removed by skilled surgeons. “

September 4, 2007 at 11:38 pm #19167

jaxem
Member

jonelle
interesting topic but why not give stem cells while you are in good living condition rather than about to die or at brain death?

September 5, 2007 at 3:34 pm #19168

jonelle
Member

Excellent point, Jack!

I am originally from NJ (Morris County) & have been following your posts. Thank you so much for your input.
Your wife’s success with her treatments have given me (& I’m sure others) much hope & optimism. Best wishes to her & you!

September 10, 2007 at 10:00 pm #19169

lindajo
Member

Any health individual can become a member of the National Bone Marrow donor network. There is a link on this website’s home page. Click at the bottom to go back to MDS website and then click on links.

September 11, 2007 at 5:17 pm #19170

gj
Member

I found this question interesting and contacted the National Marrow Donor Program to see what they do.
They do not collect marrow in advance and store it.
That’s all they said.
greg

September 12, 2007 at 4:16 pm #19171

jaxem
Member

greg
i can understand why they don’t collect marrow in advance (costs, etc.). what they probably do is to type each person so they know where to go if they need the marrow.
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