Before the stem cell donation, a detailed informative talk is always held with the donor and a
thorough medical examination carried out. Stem cells may only be donated once all the test
results prove satisfactory. The risks differ depending on the method:
In the case of a peripheral blood stem cell donation, the donor is initially treated with a
growth factor for several days to encourage the stem cells to pass into the blood. Flu-like
symptoms may develop as a side effect of such treatment. These symptoms can be treated
with painkillers and disappear immediately after the treatment. Since the introduction of this
procedure in 1989, no long-term effects have been reported.
With a bone marrow donation, a long needle is used to extract bone marrow from the pelvic
bone of the donor. Bruising can therefore develop around the puncture site and cause
discomfort for a few days. As the bone marrow is collected under general anesthesia, the risk
from the anesthesia is the same as with other operations. The bone marrow itself is quickly
reproduced by the body.
In rare cases, the donor may experience allergic reactions to either of these collection
methods.