Back complaints are common and need to be considered on a case-by-case basis at both recruitment and CT/work-up stages.
In general, donors undergoing a bone marrow collection run the risk of exacerbating pre-existing mechanical back conditions due to the shearing forces applied to the lower back and pelvis during the procedure. However, many such donors may donate by PBSC.
Donors with non-mechanical inflammatory back conditions, particularly those associated with autoimmune disease, such as ankylosing spondylitis, should not donate by either route.
Common subgroups of back complaints are given separate guidance below: