Both peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) and bone marrow donation are less painful than you probably think. Discomfort and side effects vary from person to person, but it’s nothing like what you see on TV.

Some of the common side effects of PBSC donation are headaches, nausea and tiredness—from the daily shots of a drug called filgrastim or an FDA-approved similar administered in the 5 days leading up to donation.

For a bone marrow donation, you experience no pain before or during the procedure, but you may feel sore or achy for a few days afterward.

The full donation process takes time but is flexible around your schedule. Here’s a general timeline:

• Before donation: You’ll attend an info session and have follow-up appointments for blood tests and a physical exam.
• Donation day: Most people donate in one day.
• Total time: Expect to spend 20 to 30 hours over several weeks, not counting travel time. Many donors travel and may stay overnight in a hotel.

If you match a patient, we’ll contact you to confirm your commitment. You’ll then undergo further testing—using a cheek swab, blood sample or stored sample—to ensure you’re the best possible match.

If selected, you’ll attend an information session to learn about the donation process, risks and side effects. We’ll share basic patient details (age, gender and disease) and confirm the requested donation method: either bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC).

You can register as a potential donor if you’re:

• Between the ages of 18 and 35
• A resident of the U.S., its territories, or freely associated states
• Able to meet our health guidelines
• Not already registered through another U.S. organization

NMDP focuses on young adults because research shows blood stem cells from younger donors give patients their best chance at transplant success and surviving long term. Once registered, you’ll stay listed as a potential donor until you're 61, unless you ask to be removed.

Patients and donors are matched through human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers, inherited from both parents. Because of this, individuals are more likely to match with someone of similar ethnic background.

Currently, patients from ethnically diverse backgrounds face greater challenges finding a donor because the registry doesn't yet reflect the diversity of the patients who need help. By increasing the diversity of the NMDP Registry, we improve the odds of finding a life-saving match for everyone.