Who Cannot Donate Bone Marrow? Donor Eligibility Requirements

Bone marrow donation is a life-saving procedure that helps treat various blood disorders and cancers. However, not everyone can be a donor. Understanding who cannot donate bone marrow is crucial for potential donors and medical professionals alike.

Age Restrictions

Age is a significant factor in bone marrow donation eligibility. Generally, donors must be:

• Between 18 and 60 years old for unrelated bone marrow donation
• Children under 18 cannot donate except in rare cases involving siblings
• Some registries may have upper age limits of 55 or lower

Medical Conditions That Prevent Donation

Several health conditions automatically disqualify potential donors to protect both donor and recipient safety:

Infectious Diseases

• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis B or C
• HTLV (Human T-lymphotropic virus)
• Active tuberculosis
• Systemic infections

Chronic Health Conditions

• Autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis or systemic lupus
• Chronic heart conditions
• Severe asthma requiring regular medication
• Diabetes requiring insulin
• Blood disorders or blood cancers
• Chronic kidney or liver disease

Mental Health Considerations

• Severe psychiatric conditions that may affect the ability to provide informed consent
• Current substance abuse disorders

Physical Factors

Certain physical factors may also prevent donation:

Weight Restrictions

• Severe obesity (BMI over 40)
• Being significantly underweight (BMI under 18.5)

Pregnancy and Recent Childbirth

• Current pregnancy
• Women who have given birth within the last 6 months
• Women who are currently breastfeeding

Lifestyle Factors

Some lifestyle choices and circumstances may temporarily or permanently disqualify potential donors:

• Active intravenous drug use
• High-risk sexual behavior
• Recent tattoos or piercings (typically must wait 12 months)
• Recent major surgery
• Current use of certain medications

Geographic Restrictions

Some geographical factors may affect eligibility:

• History of living in areas with high risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
• Extended stays in malaria-risk regions
• Time spent in countries with high tuberculosis rates

Temporary Deferrals

Some conditions may temporarily prevent donation but don’t result in permanent disqualification:

• Recent vaccinations
• Mild infections or illnesses
• Pregnancy (can donate after recovery period)
• Recent travel to certain regions
• Minor surgical procedures

Important Considerations

It’s essential to note that:

1. Eligibility criteria may vary between donation centers and countries
2. Some conditions require individual evaluation by medical professionals
3. Requirements may be different for related versus unrelated donors
4. Medical advances may change eligibility criteria over time

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

If you’re interested in becoming a bone marrow donor but are unsure about your eligibility, consult with your healthcare provider or contact a bone marrow registry. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

Learn more about bone marrow transplantation

Conclusion

While these restrictions may seem extensive, they exist to protect both donors and recipients. Many people who don’t qualify to donate bone marrow can still support the cause through awareness, advocacy, and other forms of contribution to bone marrow registries and related organizations.

Remember that eligibility requirements are regularly updated based on new medical research and changing healthcare standards. Always check with current guidelines and medical professionals for the most up-to-date information regarding bone marrow donation eligibility.