![]() ![]() If you gave your sample a few years ago, we may ask for a re-test. ![]() They also know more about health conditions in the donor that could be a problem, either for them or for the potential patient ( 4). They now screen for infections that could be a potential risk to the patient receiving the stem cells ( 10). Doctors and researchers continue to find out more and more about stem cell transplants and how to carry them out safely. The way labs test cell samples for a match is getting better all the time. As well as lessening the chance of rejection, a good match also means the patient is less likely to have complications after their stem cell transplant ( 9). ![]() The DKMS Life Science Lab currently tests 24 different HLA genes. To be a donor, you need to have at least nine that are the same as the potential patient’s. Your particular set of HLA molecules and genes make up your personal tissue type ( 5).Īt least 10 different HLA genes need to be tested ( 1). Researchers have now found more than 20,000 variations in HLA genes ( 7). The genes with the blueprint for these molecules vary from person to person. They help your immune system tell your own body tissues apart from anything ‘foreign’, such as viruses and bacteria. ![]() HLA molecules are on the surface of most cells in the body ( 5). It is used for organ transplants as well as stem cell transplants. You may hear this process called ‘tissue typing’. The better the match, the less likely it is that the patient’s immune system will reject the transplanted tissue or stem cells ( 8). HLA stands for ‘human leucocyte antigen’ ( 5). We carry out a series of genetic tests on your cheek swabs, called HLA matching. If there is not currently a possible match we will keep your test results on the donor register in case we find a match in the future. If the tests show that you could be a match for someone on the register, we will ask you for a blood sample ( 5). You post the swab back to DKMS, where it is tested. The swab picks up some skin cells for genetic testing. This contains a swab that you put in your mouth and rub on the inside of your cheek. If you meet all the conditions, we will send you a testing kit in the post. There are a number of health conditions that mean you cannot donate, therefore, an early part of the recruitment process involves completing a detailed health questionnaire ( 4). We will check regularly that you are still willing and able to donate. We will keep your details until your 61st birthday and you can donate stem cells up to that age. You have to be between 18 and 55 years old to register. have a body mass index (BMI) below 40 ( 3).To be a blood stem cell donor in the UK, you must: You do not get paid, although DKMS will reimburse you for costs related to your medical assessment and cell donation. So donor registers have been set up around the world to find donors to provide blood stem cells for their treatment.ĭonating your stem cells is a generous act. But only around one in three patients have a relative who is a match ( 2). Often, the ideal donor is a close relative. A blood stem cell transplant can be lifesaving, but the donor has to have blood cells that are genetically very similar to the recipient ( 1). ![]()
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