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United Kingdom: Donor system

In the United Kingdom, stem cell donor registries are run by Anthony Nolan and the NHS (NHS Blood and Transplant).

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a globe of lights.
Figure 1.World registry — United Kingdom: Donor system

01Short answer

When a transplant is needed, brothers and sisters are tested first. If there is no suitable family donor, British registries and the worldwide network (WMDA) are searched. Donation is voluntary and unpaid, and identities are protected. Your transplant team will explain how the search is going.

02Simple explanation

Anthony Nolan: stem cell registry.

NHSBT: blood and registry.

WMDA: worldwide network.

03Scientific explanation

HLA: matching is assessed by tissue type (HLA).

Alternative donors: partly matched relatives and cord blood may also be used.

04What happens in the body?

World registry

A matching donor can come from any country.

Matching

HLA types are compared.

On a dark navy background, two pieces joining.
Figure 2.Matching — United Kingdom: Donor system

Blood donation

Blood is given at donor sessions.

On a dark navy background, a calm centre.
Figure 3.Donor centre — United Kingdom: Donor system

05Finding a donor

Four steps.

Family — Siblings are tested.1FamilySiblings are tested.
Registry — The search.2RegistryThe search.
Match — Found.3MatchFound.
Thanks — Anonymous.4ThanksAnonymous.
HopeThe search has begun.
ClarityThe stages are known.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
World registryA matching donor can come from any country.
MatchingHLA types are compared.
Blood donationBlood is given at donor sessions.

07Key terms

Stem cell donor
Stem cell donor.
HLA typing
Tissue typing.
Registry
Registry.
Blood donor
Blood donor.

08Key points

  • Ask about family testing.
  • Ask about timing.
  • Be patient.
  • People close to you can become donors.
  • Anonymous thanks to a donor is possible.

09Frequently asked questions

Who can become a donor?

Age and health requirements are on the Anthony Nolan and NHSBT websites.

Can I meet my donor?

Rules are strict; sometimes anonymous contact is possible after a set time.

How long does the search take?

From weeks to months; your team will explain.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Who can become a donor?

  2. Can I meet my donor?

  3. How long does the search take?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Anthony Nolan. Official website
  2. NHS Blood and Transplant. Give blood
  3. World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA). Official website
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
  5. Türk Kızılay. Kan Hizmetleri (kanver.org, in Turkish)
  6. TÜRKÖK, Ministry of Health of Türkiye. Sıkça sorulan sorular (in Turkish)
  7. Türkiye Stem Cell Coordination Centre (TÜRKÖK), Ministry of Health. Official website (in Turkish)
  8. Türk Kızılay. Blood services (Kan Hizmetleri)
  9. Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (Türkiye). Hasta Hakları Yönetmeliği, Resmî Gazete 01.08.1998, No. 23420 (in Turkish)
  10. CİMER (Presidential Communication Centre, Türkiye). Official website (in Turkish)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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