Registration

Thank you for registering with the DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry. Your willingness to be a potential lifesaver is deeply valued.

You are a potential match

Your HLA type has matched with a patient in need of a blood stem cell transplant — you could be their only chance at survival.

Our DATRI counsellor has reached out to you to:

• Share details about the match.
• Walk you through the donation process step by step.
• Answer any questions or concerns you may have.
• Support and guide you at every stage of this journey.
• Confirm your willingness to move forward.

You’re not alone in this. A dedicated donation manager will support you through every step and coordinate the process.

Your decision could give someone a second chance at life and bring hope to their family.

Verification Typing

The first step after confirming your availability is Verification Typing.

This step is done to reconfirm that you are the best match for the patient.

• A confirmatory sample (blood/ buccal swab) will be collected.
• Your HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) type will be retested for complete accuracy.
• This ensures a precise and safe match before moving ahead.

Once the results confirm compatibility, we proceed to the next stage of the donation process.

Master Health Checkup

We are committed to protecting your health and well-being at every stage — before, during, and after the donation. You will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, usually within 30 days prior to donation, to ensure that it is safe for you to proceed.

This includes:

• A thorough physical examination
• Infectious Disease Marker (IDM) tests
• A complete overall health assessment

The IDM tests screen for infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, ensuring safety for both you and the patient.

These tests also provide a comprehensive health check, offering you valuable insights into your own health that you may not have been aware of otherwise.

All procedures are carried out under strict medical guidelines and DATRI will take care of all medical, travel, and donation-related expenses, so you can focus entirely on your well-being.

Stem Cell Donation

There are two possible methods of stem cell donation.

The method is decided by the treating doctor based on the patient’s medical condition.

G-CSF Injections

To increase the number of stem cells in your bloodstream, you will receive daily injections of G-CSF (Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor) for 5 days before donation.

• G-CSF is naturally produced by the body.
• The injections are a safe, synthetic version of this natural growth factor.
• It works by encouraging stem cells to move from the bone marrow into the bloodstream.
• Some donors may feel mild body aches or slight discomfort during these few days — this is temporary and a normal sign that the medication is working.
• Any discomfort is usually manageable and will be monitored by the medical team.

PBSC Donation

Blood Stem Cells are collected through a safe apheresis procedure.

• Blood is drawn from one arm using a sterile needle.
• The blood passes through an apheresis machine.
• The machine separates the blood stem cells.
• After the stem cells are collected, your blood continues to circulate back into your body.
• The process takes approximately 4–5 hours.

This is a day-care procedure — you won’t need to stay in the hospital, and you can go home the same day.

Bone Marrow Donation

In certain cases, the doctor may suggest bone marrow donation as a safe and effective way to collect stem cells for the patient.

• In some cases, the doctor may suggest bone marrow donation instead of PBSC donation.
• The procedure is done in a hospital while you are under general anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the process.
• You will usually be admitted to the hospital the evening before the donation.
• The bone marrow is collected from the back of your hip bone using a special needle.
• The procedure usually takes about one hour.
• After the procedure, you may stay in the hospital overnight so doctors can monitor your recovery from anesthesia.
• Most donors are able to go home the next day and resume normal activities within a few days.

Contact your counsellor or donation coordinator if you would like more information about this process.

Blood Stem Cell Transportation

After the stem cells are collected, they are carefully packed and transported to the patient’s hospital. During transportation, the stem cells are maintained at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C to preserve their quality. Once they arrive, the transplant team receives the stem cells and prepares them for the patient’s transplant.

Donor Follow-up

Thank you for your willingness to help save a life

Your decision to donate stem cells can give a patient with blood cancer or a serious blood disorder a second chance at life.

After the donation, our medical team will stay in touch with you and conduct regular follow-ups to ensure you are recovering well.

Your health and well-being remain our priority throughout this journey.