The bone marrow in your body

Bone marrow is the soft, jelly-like tissue that is found in the hollow centres of some bones. The bone marrow contains 'stem cells', which make blood.

What is bone marrow donation used for?

Bone marrow donations can provide the stem cells we all need to live. Bone marrow can be damaged during treatment for leukaemia or a related cancer of the blood, or simply may not function correctly resulting in life-threatening forms of anaemia. Since bone marrow is needed to make blood, if a person's bone marrow is damaged, they will need a stem cell transplant to survive.

How do I donate bone marrow?

Once you are on a bone marrow registry you might be approached to donate stem cells if you are a good match for someone who needs them. Donating stem cells involves a small operation to remove bone marrow or using a cell separator machine on circulating blood to get the life-saving stem cells.

When can I donate bone marrow?

To join a bone marrow registry you need to be over 18 and either willing to donate blood or attend a clinic to have a blood sample taken.

Want to know more?

Bone marrow PowerPoint presentation

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Bone marrow quiz

Factsheet: Donating during life