How is blood stem cell donation different to blood donation?

Donating blood stem cells is similar to giving blood in 90% of cases. However, whether a donor and a patient in need of a blood stem cell transplant are a suitable match is decided on the basis of their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type (tissue type), rather than on the basis of their blood type.

When you register as a potential blood stem cell donor, you complete a cheek swab which is then analysed at our lab to establish your tissue type. If your tissue type matches that of someone in need, we will be in contact as soon as possible – you could end up saving someone’s life!