Titanium Rods

[borq646]

Hey all, sorry if this was covered. I did a search for titanium rods and came up empty.

What is the reasoning behind being denied the ability to register as a donor if you have titanium rods/screws from back surgery 5 years ago?


Thanks!

[Neil Cuadra]

There may be no medical basis for this at all, and it's simply that they've never studied the effects of titanium in the body on the immune system or bone marrow. It doesn't mean you're unhealthy, but I know they are extremely cautious about picking donors they know to be 100% safe, or as close as possible.

If I was a recipient and you showed up as a potential donor, I can imagine that the people studying the matches might count you as a second choice behind somebody who matched just as well and had no unusual history. The question is whether you should be the first choice if you're a slightly better match, and therefore eligible.

[Birgitta-A]

Hi borq646,
As far as I know most ports (port-a-caths) are made of titanium. Many MDS patients (for example myself) have ports for txs and drugs.
Kind regards
Birgitta-A

[borq646]

Thanks for the responses!