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Türkiye: Donor system

A leukaemia patient often needs blood and sometimes a stem cell donor. This chapter explains how Türkiye’s donor system works.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a blood bag and a crescent-shaped light.
Figure 1.Blood donation through Kızılay.

01Short answer

In Türkiye blood donation goes mainly through the blood centres of the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay). For unrelated stem cell transplants, the Ministry of Health’s Türkiye Stem Cell Coordination Centre (TÜRKÖK) manages the national donor database, and Kızılay registers donor candidates. A candidate fills in an informed consent form, sees a doctor and gives 3 tubes of blood; if suitable, their tissue type is entered into the TÜRKÖK database. If there is a match, Kızılay contacts the donor.

02Simple explanation

Kızılay: blood donation and donor registration.

TÜRKÖK: the national stem cell donor database.

One sample is enough.

03Scientific explanation

TÜRKÖK: according to TÜRKÖK’s FAQ, one sample given to Kızılay is enough to become a candidate, and tissue data are kept until age 55; if there is no match, you will not be contacted.

Registration: according to Kızılay’s kanver.org, 3 tubes of blood are taken for blood group, infection tests and tissue typing.

04What happens in the body?

Blood donation

You can give blood at Kızılay blood centres and mobile points. Leukaemia patients often need red cells and platelets.

Becoming a stem cell donor

Apply to a Kızılay stem cell donor centre. Check the current age limits on kanver.org, as requirements are updated from time to time.

On a dark navy background, three sample tubes and a glowing database.
Figure 2.Three tubes to register as a donor.

Matching

The HLA types of patient and donor are compared. The Turkish database is also linked to international donor networks.

On a dark navy background, two glowing DNA strands side by side.
Figure 3.HLA matching is sought.

05Becoming a donor in four steps

From consent to donation.

Consent — Information and form.1ConsentInformation and form.
Sample — 3 tubes of blood.2Sample3 tubes of blood.
Database — Tissue type in TÜRKÖK.3DatabaseTissue type in TÜRKÖK.
Call — Kızılay calls if there is a match.4CallKızılay calls if there is a match.
HopeA donor may be found for a patient.
SpeedA large database speeds the search.
SafetyDonors are checked.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Blood donationYou can give blood at Kızılay blood centres and mobile points. Leukaemia patients often need red cells and platelets.
Becoming a stem cell donorApply to a Kızılay stem cell donor centre. Check the current age limits on kanver.org, as requirements are updated from time to time.
MatchingThe HLA types of patient and donor are compared. The Turkish database is also linked to international donor networks.

07Key terms

Kızılay
Turkish Red Crescent.
TÜRKÖK
Türkiye Stem Cell Coordination Centre.
HLA
Tissue-matching antigens.
Apheresis
Collecting stem cells from blood.

08Key points

  • Blood through Kızılay.
  • Stem cell database: TÜRKÖK.
  • One sample is enough.
  • Data kept until 55.
  • You get a call if matched.

09Frequently asked questions

Is stem cell donation painful?

Cells are usually collected from blood by apheresis; sometimes from bone marrow under anaesthesia. Both are done under medical supervision.

Can a relative be the donor?

Yes; siblings are often checked first. The transplant centre decides.

Can I change my mind?

Yes; TÜRKÖK describes how to withdraw. The sooner you say, the better.

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. Is stem cell donation painful?

  2. Can a relative be the donor?

  3. Can I change my mind?

My questions

12Sources

  1. TÜRKÖK, Ministry of Health of Türkiye. Sıkça sorulan sorular (in Turkish)
  2. Türkiye Stem Cell Coordination Centre (TÜRKÖK), Ministry of Health. Official website (in Turkish)
  3. Türk Kızılay. Kan Hizmetleri (kanver.org, in Turkish)
  4. Türk Kızılay. Blood services (Kan Hizmetleri)
  5. World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA). Official website
  6. American Cancer Society. Where to Find Cancer Care
  7. GOV.UK (FCDO). Azerbaijan travel advice: getting help
  8. GOV.UK (FCDO). Turkey travel advice: getting help
  9. European Commission. Cross-border healthcare — overview
  10. State haematology centre (Baku). Official website (in Azerbaijani)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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