A. Who can donate bone marrow? To qualify as a healthy donor you must:
 Be in good general health (no history of diabetes, asthma, heart disease or chronic medical problems)
 Not use any prescription drugs (birth control is OK)
 Weigh less than 225lbs
 Not be pregnant
 Be 18 years of age or older

B. How will my donation be used?
Your bone marrow will be used strictly for research. These research results will not be of direct benefit to you, however, the results may provide important benefit to others. You will not receive any test results. Only your age and gender are kept with your donation, not your name or any other identifying information. Your bone marrow will be used for research purposes at the University of Pennsylvania, and may also be used for research purposes by collaborators at academic and for-profit institutions.

C. What is the “Bone Marrow Aspiration” procedure like?
The bone marrow aspiration is performed in the following manner by a certified Nurse Practitioner. You will lie on the examining table on your stomach. The skin over the back part of your hipbone will be cleaned. A sterile drape will be placed around the cleaned area of skin. The nurse practitioner will then inject numbing medication called lidocane (an anesthetic similar to novocaine) into the skin, and around the bone lying underneath the skin. The injection may cause a mild discomfort like a bee sting that will rapidly go away. Once the area is completely numb, a needle will be introduced into the hip bone to withdraw 20 and 30 mL (about 4-6 teaspoons) of bone marrow into a syringe. This aspect of the procedure is likely to cause mild to moderate discomfort or pain. The entire procedure will take approximately 30 minutes. You may resume normal activities (walking, return to work or physical activities) immediately after the procedure. There are no restrictions on your activity (i.e., you may drive, walk, etc.).

C. What are the risks?
There may be side effects such as bleeding or bruising around the site of needle insertion. In spite of sterile precautions, there is a slight risk of a local skin infection at the puncture site. Other very rare side effects include temporary nerve damage or irritation.

D. How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (215)573-3473 or e-mail PENNSCC@gmail.com, or submit your inquire through this website.