Bone marrow is the spongy tissue that is located inside the long bones. The blood cells and platelets are produced within the bone marrow. The cells have a vital role in keeping the body healthy and free of disease. The red blood cells pick up and carry oxygen from the lungs and distribute this oxygen to the rest of the body. White blood cells fight invading infections.
Platelets allow the blood to clot, for example, after injury from a cut or scrape.
The procedure involves finding a bone marrow donor who has a similar genetic makeup to the patient. The next step is to collect the marrow from the donor's hipbone. This is done under general anesthesia using a special syringe and needle. The donor's marrow is given to the patient by vein, like a blood transfusion. The marrow finds its way to the inside of major bones and begins to produce new and normal blood cells in about two weeks.