There are several factors that can disqualify someone from becoming a bone marrow donor, including certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices. Some examples include:
- Active infections or uncontrolled medical conditions, such as cancer, HIV, or heart disease
- Use of certain medications, such as blood thinners or immunosuppressants
- Recent tattoos or piercings
- A history of certain medical procedures, such as organ transplants or radiation therapy
- A history of certain infections, such as hepatitis or syphilis
- Having a high risk for certain genetic diseases
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
It’s worth noting that these disqualifiers may not necessarily be permanent; for example, someone who is taking blood thinners may be eligible to donate once they are off the medication for a certain period of time. Additionally, some of the disqualifiers depend on the type of donation process you are interested in. For example, Autologous donation (also known as being your own donor) may not have the same restriction as other donation types.
The final determination of whether someone is eligible to be a bone marrow donor is made by the donation center or organization. They would be able to provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have.