Blood Stem Cell Donation

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per NMDP (formerly known as Be The Match):

Thanks to advancements in research and science, the majority of the transplants we facilitate today utilize a process called Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) extraction instead of bone marrow extraction. Additionally, our user research has indicated that the term "bone marrow transplant" can be intimidating for people, leading them to shy away from donation. Therefore, we've shifted our focus to referring to these procedures as blood stem cell transplants, which encompasses both types of donations from unrelated adult donors.

What would you like to do?

What you need to know

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Discover how to join the donor registry​​​​​​​​

Thousands of people with blood cancers and disorders — like sickle cell anemia — need a blood stem cell transplant to survive. 

That's why donors like you are needed.

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  • 70% of people needing a blood stem cell transplant don't have a fully matched donor in their family. 
  • 12,000 people annually rely on transplants from someone outside their family.

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Two Ways to Donate: Marrow and Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC)

A blood stem cell transplant replaces a person's unhealthy blood-forming cells with healthy ones.

You may be asked to donate in one of two ways:

  • About 90% of the time, a person's doctor requests a PBSC donation — a non-surgical outpatient procedure similar to donating platelets or plasma.
  • About 10% of the time, doctors request marrow — a surgical, outpatient procedure that takes place at a hospital. General or regional anesthesia is always used.

Joining the NMDP RegistrySM

Your blood stem cells could be a cure for someone in need. Become a potential lifesaver to those battling blood cancers or other blood disorders by joining the NMDP RegistrySM. To join, you need to meet age and health guidelines and be willing to donate to any patient in need. Sign-up​ involves completing a digital registration and giving a swab of your cheek cells.

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