There is a minor risk of infection where the needles are inserted into the pelvis, just as with any break in the skin. Loss of blood may occur, but this is treated by giving the donor his or her own previously collected blood. There are also risks associated with anesthesia. All donors must pass a thorough physical examination and meet the standards of the anesthesiologist. The donor enters the hospital the day before or the day of the donation.
Donors normally stay in the hospital overnight, returning home the next day.
This varies from person to person. Some donors return to their usual routine in a day or two, while others may require a week or more. Once you have donated marrow, you are not eligible to donate again for one year. If a friend or family member subsequently needs your marrow, there is no medical reason why you couldn't be a donor. All medical costs associated with the marrow donation are charged to the recipient or the recipient's insurance company.