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A Donor's Words
"This was one of the most enriching, rewarding and meaningful experiences I have had in my entire life. I would do it again in a heartbeat if the opportunity presented itself and I sincerely hope and pray that it does! It provided a special meaning to my life. Thank you for allowing me to share in this life-giving experience."
- John Marcus, Michigan, USA
INITIAL RECRUITMENT
After reading the informational material and upon providing your consent, a cell sample is collected for HLA Typing. The HLA type is reported as a series of numbers, such as A1, A11, B18, B35, DR2, DR7. HLA stands for 'human leukocyte antigen' and is determined by tissue typing your sample. The testing results are recorded in the registry computer files and compared to patients' HLA types.
SUBSEQUENT TESTING
If your HLA type matches a patient's HLA type, you may be contacted and asked to give a blood sample to determine if you are fully matched with the patient. A sample may be sent to the patient's transplant center to confirm that all of the previous testing results are compatible. There is no fee to you for these additional tests. This and all subsequent steps are the financial responsibility of the patient.
IF YOU ARE A MATCH
If you are found to be a compatible donor, you will be notified and scheduled for counseling by a collection team. The potential donor is asked to bring a family member or support person along. The entire collection procedure and mandatory donor physical examination are explained and risks or complications that could occur are discussed in detail at that time.
There are two potential sources of stem cells that may be requested by a patient's transplant center, marrow or peripheral blood stem cell ("PBSC"). The decision is determined by the patient's physician and you.
You have the right to withdraw from the program at any time during the process but, once the patient has begun pretreatment conditioning for transplant (after your pre-collection physical examination and approximately 7-10 days prior to transplant), the consequences of your withdrawal may be lethal to the patient.
Please choose the State where you live to begin registration
*Please note we are currently only registering
donors residing in the United States.
2. Is my HLA typing in the registry?
3. Already a donor? Update your information.
4. Frequently asked questions.
5. Donor Educational Information
6. How do I donate my baby's umbilical cord blood ?
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