Blood and Bone Marrow

[TheOtherHalf]

I received a letter yesterday from Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow trust saying my name has now been taken off the doner register as I am now 60. once I was almost called up to give bone marrow many years ago. I had to have 3 checks done by my GP but eventually I was not quite a match. I was so disappointed, as I had looked forward to being able to help someone and also had already had confirmation from employers that I could have time off ect. to do it.

I also have given blood for about 35 years but I think I can go in doing this for a while yet. I wonder why one and yet not the other

[rockyracoon]

This is what it said on Marrow.org

Q: If I'm over 60, why can't I join?
A: The age guidelines are in place to protect donors and provide the best treatment for patients:

Donor safety: As one ages, the chances of a hidden medical problem that donation could bring out increases, placing older donors at increased risk of complications. Since there is no direct benefit to the donor when they donate, for safety reasons we have set age 60 as the upper limit. It is important to note that the age limit is not meant to discriminate in any way.
To provide the best treatment for the patient: Research shows that cells from younger donors lead to more successful transplants. That’s because younger donors produce more and higher-quality cells than older donors.

[TheOtherHalf]

Thanks rocky. Why doesnt the same apply to giving blood then, I wonder ?

[Brinjal]

It does. It maybe 65. But there is a cut off date. My husband was supposed to stop a couple,of years ago but he is O neg and is quite hard to come by here in zimbabwe so they keep. Allying him up

[TheOtherHalf]

Thanks to both of your comments. I will just have to keep giving as long as I can