Register as a bone marrow donor today and save lives
A bone marrow transplantation played a pivotal role in saving a Lowveld attorney and conveyancer’s life after she was diagnosed with leukemia. Here we look at the processes and key points of registering as a bone marrow donor.
Lowveld attorney and conveyancer Reinette Greyling is in remission after receiving a bone marrow transplant in September 2023.
In October 2022, Greyling was diagnosed with leukemia and required a bone marrow transplant. While awaiting a suitable donor, she underwent chemotherapy. After nine months of treatment, a compatible donor was found in Belgium, and she underwent the transplant in September 2023.
“It’s a scary journey; unless you’re in the situation yourself, you don’t realise how much you rely on others,” said Greyling.
On April 5, a golf day was organised at Mbombela Golf Day by Greyling and Jaco Potgieter to raise awareness about the need and benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. In South Africa, where there are 59.89 million people, only 73 000 participate, highlighting the need for increased awareness.
Which organisation is responsible for bone marrow donations?
The South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), a non-profit organisation, conducts specialised searches to find matching bone marrow donors for critically ill South Africans.
Who can apply to become a donor?
Individuals between the ages of 16 and 45 can register to become potential donors. The SABMR encourages individuals from all racial backgrounds to apply, as tissue types are inherited characteristics used in matching donors and patients. This increases the likelihood of finding a compatible donor within the same ethnic background.
Where to apply?
Applications can be submitted online by visiting sabmr.co.za or by emailing donors@sabmr.co.za.
As part of the application process, potential donors complete a comprehensive health questionnaire. Eligible applicants are then contacted by SABMR and sent a parcel to complete a buccal swab (cheek swab) free of charge. The swabs are then returned to the SABMR for processing. Applicants are informed of the outcome of their application within approximately six weeks.
What happens if registered as a donor?
Successful applicants are placed on the SABMR. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) matching is then used to match stem cells from donors with patients in need of a bone marrow stem cell transplant.
What happens if a donor is matched with a patient?
If a donor is matched with a patient, they undergo a full medical examination to assess their health status and any potential risks. If cleared, the donor receives a five-day course of daily granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) injections to increase the number of stem cells in their bloodstream. On the fifth day, the donor is admitted to a medical facility to undergo stem cell collection using a cell separator machine. In some cases, collection may occur on the sixth day as well.
Does it hurt to donate?
Donation may cause mild and temporary discomfort due to the insertion of needles, similar to a blood donation. However, it is not a surgical procedure, and most donors are able to watch TV, use their phones or sleep during the process.
Side effects during and after donation?
During donation, donors may experience a drop in platelet count, which can necessitate hospitalisation until levels return to normal. After donation, possible side effects of G-CSF injections include headache, bone pain and flu-like symptoms.
Costs for donors?
Donors do not incur any costs for tissue or blood donation. The SABMR covers the costs of tests and collection.
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