Skip to main content

Datri

Register as Donor
Register as Donor
Find a Donor
Call Us: 7305791999

LEARN & DECIDE

Faqs & Myths on Blood Stem Cell Donation

General

What is blood stem cell donation?

Blood stem cell donation in India is a life-saving medical process where healthy stem cells from a voluntary donor are collected and transplanted into patients suffering from blood cancers and blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, and thalassemia. 

These healthy stem cells help rebuild the patient’s blood and immune system and can potentially save lives. DATRI blood stem cell donors registry helps connect patients with matching unrelated donors across India and globally.

Blood stem cell donation gives hope to patients battling life-threatening diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia. Since most patients are unable to find a matching donor within their family, unrelated donors from registries like DATRI become their best chance for survival.

Only about 25% of patients find a matching donor within their family, while the remaining patients depend on a blood stem cell donor registry to identify unrelated matches.

Increasing the number of registered blood stem cell donors in India improves the chances of finding life-saving matches for patients with blood cancers and disorders such as thalassemia.

DATRI is registered as a Section 8 not-for-profit organization under the Government of India. Contributions made to DATRI are eligible for tax exemption under Section 80G.

With over 6.5 lakh registered donors and 1800+ lives saved, DATRI is India’s largest blood stem cell donors registry.

DATRI is registered with the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) and is connected to the global Search, Match & Connect platform, formerly known as Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide (BMDW), enabling access to international donor searches and collaborations.

Transparency, donor safety, ethical practices, and patient support remain central to DATRI’s mission.

Registration

Who can register as a blood stem cell donor?

Healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 years can register as potential blood stem cell donors.

Donors should be in good general health and free from serious medical conditions or infections. Final eligibility is determined through medical screening at the time of donation.

Eligibility Criteria

You can register online with the DATRI blood stem cell donors registry by filling out a simple form and providing a cheek swab sample for HLA typing.

Once your sample is processed, your details are added to the blood stem cell donor registry, helping patients searching for a matching blood stem cell donor in India.

HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) typing is a specialized genetic test used to identify tissue compatibility between a donor and a patient.

HLA markers act like unique identifiers for the immune system. A close HLA match is extremely important for a successful blood stem cell transplant and helps reduce the chances of transplant rejection or complications.

A close HLA match improves the chances of a successful transplant and reduces the risk of complications after transplantation.

Since HLA types are inherited genetically, patients are more likely to find matches among donors from similar ethnic backgrounds.

DATRI blood stem cell donors registry maintains a database of registered donors and their HLA types.

When a patient requires a transplant, the registry searches its database and international networks to identify a suitable matching donor. If a match is found and the donor is medically eligible and willing, the donation process is initiated.

Finding a matching unrelated blood stem cell donor can be extremely challenging. The probability of finding the right donor may range from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in millions, depending on the patient’s HLA type and ethnic background.

This is why every new donor added to the DATRI blood stem cell donors registry increases hope for patients waiting for a life-saving transplant.

No. Your body naturally replenishes the donated stem cells within a few weeks. Blood stem cell donation does not permanently weaken your immune system.

Yes. Joining the registry is completely voluntary, and donors can choose to withdraw at any stage.

However, if you are identified as a matching donor for a patient preparing for transplant, withdrawing at the final stage could seriously affect the patient’s treatment and chances of survival. DATRI therefore encourages donors to make an informed and committed decision while registering.

Registered donors generally remain on the registry until the age of 50, unless they choose to withdraw earlier or become medically ineligible.

Yes. DATRI follows strict confidentiality, compliance, and data protection protocols to safeguard donor and patient information at every stage.

Donor and patient identities are protected in accordance with registry guidelines, international standards, and medical ethics. Personal information is never shared without appropriate authorization.

No. Blood group matching is not as important as HLA matching in blood stem cell transplantation.

A successful transplant mainly depends on close Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) compatibility between the donor and patient.

Certain common medical conditions may still allow individuals to register, while others may not.

Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of medical condition, medications, and overall health status. If a donor is identified as a potential match, DATRI’s medical team conducts a detailed medical evaluation to ensure the safety and well-being of both the donor and the patient. 

Stem Cell Donation Process

What happens if I am identified as a potential match?

If you are identified as a potential match for a patient, DATRI will contact you for additional confirmatory testing and medical evaluation.

You will receive complete guidance and support throughout the process before proceeding with donation.

The blood stem cell donation process begins when a registered donor is identified as a potential match for a patient.

The donor then undergoes confirmatory testing, medical evaluation, and counselling before donation. Depending on the patient’s medical requirement, stem cells are collected either through Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation or Bone Marrow (BM) donation.

Throughout the blood stem cell donation process, DATRI ensures complete medical guidance, donor safety, and logistical support.

There are two methods of donation:

Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation

This is the most common method. Stem cells are collected from the bloodstream using a procedure similar to blood donation.

Bone Marrow Donation

Stem cells are collected directly from the pelvic/hip bone under anaesthesia in a hospital setting.

The transplant physician decides the appropriate method based on the patient’s medical needs.

Most donors describe blood stem cell donation as manageable and not significantly painful.

In PBSC donation, the process is similar to donating platelets or blood. Some donors may experience temporary body aches or fatigue due to the medication used before collection.

In bone marrow donation, the procedure is performed under anesthesia, so the donor does not feel pain during the collection. Mild soreness afterward is temporary and usually resolves within a few days.

Blood stem cell donation is generally very safe.

Some donors may experience temporary side effects such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Mild soreness or discomfort

These effects are usually short-term and closely monitored by medical professionals.

No. The body naturally replenishes the donated stem cells within a few weeks. Blood stem cell donation does not reduce your body’s long-term ability to produce healthy stem cells.

Donor safety is DATRI’s highest priority throughout the blood stem cell donation process.

A comprehensive medical evaluation, including infectious disease screening and overall health assessment, is conducted before donation. The process proceeds only after medical clearance from qualified doctors and transplant specialists.

Donors are carefully monitored before, during, and after donation to ensure their safety and well-being.

For PBSC donation, most donors return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

For bone marrow donation, recovery may take a few days due to mild soreness or tiredness. The body naturally replenishes the donated stem cells within a few weeks.

The timeline may vary depending on the patient’s treatment schedule and the donation method.

From confirmatory testing to actual donation, the process may take several weeks. DATRI’s team coordinates closely with donors throughout the journey.

The donated stem cells are transplanted into the patient to help rebuild their blood and immune system.

For many patients battling blood cancers or blood disorders, a donor transplant can be life-saving and may offer the possibility of long-term recovery or cure.

Yes, a donor may be requested to donate again if medically eligible and if required for the patient’s treatment. However, repeat donations are relatively uncommon.

Donor safety is always the highest priority during every stage of the process.

All donation-related expenses are taken care of by DATRI, including:

  • Medical tests and procedures
  • Travel and accommodation
  • Meals and local transportation
  • Loss of wages, where applicable

A medical or sick leave certificate can also be provided for workplace documentation, if required. Many organizations support the cause and recognize blood stem cell donors for their life-saving contribution.

Donation is entirely voluntary, and donors do not receive financial compensation.

Blood stem cell donation is considered very safe, and donors are carefully monitored throughout the process.

A comprehensive medical evaluation, including infectious disease screening and overall health assessment, is conducted before donation. The process proceeds only after medical clearance from qualified doctors and transplant specialists, making serious complications extremely rare.

In the unlikely event of any donation-related medical complication, DATRI ensures that appropriate medical care, guidance, and support are provided.

The safety and well-being of donors remain DATRI’s highest priority.

For Patients & Families

What is a blood stem cell transplant?

A blood stem cell transplant is a medical procedure in which damaged or diseased blood-forming stem cells are replaced with healthy stem cells from a donor.

The transplant helps rebuild the patient’s blood and immune system and is often used to treat serious blood cancers, immune disorders, and genetic blood diseases.

 

Blood stem cell transplantation can help treat several life-threatening diseases, including:

  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Thalassemia
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Certain immune deficiency disorders

For many patients, a matching donor offers the best chance of survival and recovery.

Yes. Blood stem cell transplantation is currently considered one of the best thalassemia treatment options in India for eligible patients.

A successful transplant can help thalassemia patients become free from lifelong blood transfusions and related complications. However, finding a matching blood stem cell donor remains one of the biggest challenges for many families.

DATRI blood stem cell donors registry works to improve donor availability for thalassemia patients across India by expanding the unrelated donor pool.

Finding a matching donor for patients depends on close HLA compatibility, which is inherited genetically.

Since India has tremendous genetic diversity, patients often require donors from similar ethnic backgrounds. This makes expanding the blood stem cell donor registry in India extremely important for improving transplant access and survival outcomes.

Healthy blood stem cells collected from a donor are infused into the patient’s bloodstream, similar to a blood transfusion.

These cells travel to the bone marrow and begin producing healthy blood cells, helping restore the patient’s immune and blood-forming system.

Yes. DATRI is connected to the global Search, Match & Connect network (formerly known as BMDW) through the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA). This allows transplant centres to search for matching donors not only within India but also across international donor registries worldwide.

The time required to identify a matching donor varies for each patient.

Some patients may find matches quickly, while others may require extensive searches across national and international registries due to rare HLA types.

In some cases, identifying a potential match may still not guarantee a transplant, as the final donation depends on donor availability, medical suitability, and consent at the time of transplant.

HLA types are inherited genetically, and patients are more likely to find matching donors from similar ethnic backgrounds. For example, a patient from a Tamil family may be more likely to find a match among donors with Tamil ancestry, while a patient from a Punjabi family may have a better chance of finding a match among donors with Punjabi ancestry. This is why India needs a large and diverse donor registry that represents all regions and communities, giving every patient a better chance of finding a lifesaving match.

Treating physicians or transplant centers can initiate a donor search through DATRI’s registry network.

DATRI works closely with transplant centers and international registries to help identify potential matching donors for patients in need.

No. Registries across the world follow strict confidentiality and privacy guidelines to protect both donors and patients.

DATRI maintains donor and patient confidentiality at all stages of the transplant journey and acts as the official coordinating body for communication related to the donation process.

Any communication, if permitted under applicable guidelines, follows registry protocols and timelines.

For Supporters & Financial Donors

Why does DATRI need financial support?

Building and maintaining a blood stem cell donor registry involves significant costs including donor recruitment, awareness programs, HLA typing, patient searches, donor coordination, and transplant support services.

Financial contributions help DATRI continue giving patients a second chance at life.

You can support DATRI by:

  • Making a financial contribution
  • Sponsoring donor registrations
  • Organizing awareness drives
  • Supporting fundraising initiatives
  • Volunteering your time and skills
  • Spreading awareness about blood stem cell donation in India

Every contribution helps bring hope to patients and families.

Yes. DATRI is registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, and eligible donations qualify for tax exemption benefits as per applicable laws.

Yes. Organizations, colleges, and community groups can support DATRI by hosting awareness sessions, donor registration drives, fundraising initiatives, and volunteer programs.

Such partnerships play an important role in expanding the donor registry and spreading awareness about blood stem cell donation in India.

Yes. Volunteers play an important role in supporting DATRI’s mission.

Individuals can contribute through awareness campaigns, donor drives, fundraising initiatives, social media advocacy, community outreach, and event support.

For Healthcare Professionals & Hospitals

How does DATRI support transplant physicians and hospitals?

DATRI collaborates with transplant centers, hematologists, oncologists, and hospitals to facilitate unrelated donor searches and stem cell transplants for patients.

The registry provides donor search support, coordination services, and access to both national and international donor networks.

Hospitals, transplant centers, and healthcare professionals can partner with DATRI for donor searches, patient support, awareness initiatives, and collaborative programs related to blood stem cell transplantation.

Yes. DATRI is registered with the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) and collaborates with donor registries and transplant centres worldwide, enabling access to potential matching donors across the global registry network.

BLOOD STEM CELL DONATION MYTH BUSTERS

FAQ’s on Registration

Does it cost me anything to register at DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry?

It costs INR 1800 for DATRI to perform the HLA Typing for a donor to be added to the registry. A donor who wishes to join the registry is requested to pay for his/her HLA typing. All donations to DATRI are 80G exempt.

No, a simple cheek swab (buccal swab) sample along with completed registration and informed consent forms are all it takes to register as a Blood Stem Cell Donor.

A cheek / buccal swab, is a non-invasive way to collect cells from the inside of a person’s cheek, which are used to do the HLA typing of a donor.

Yes, the HLA typing is not affected by consuming food or by smoking. But one has to make sure to rinse his/her mouth thoroughly before the swab is taken.

Before swabbing, please remove the gum. If you are chewing paan, kindly rinse your mouth thoroughly before swabbing. Stained swabs can be difficult to process.

Yes, but donors are requested to write an approximate height and weight. If there is a match with a patient these details would be helpful.

We need the contact information of another person in the case your contact information changes. We will only contact your friend / family member to get in touch with you, in case we are unable to reach you with your shared primary information.

If your HLA matches with that of a patient, you will be contacted by a DATRI representative. Read ‘Information on the Donation Process – FAQ’s to know about the process in detail.

Your HLA could match the patient’s HLA, within few weeks of registration or it may take years. There is a chance that you may never match. But, if you do get matched, you are the ONLY one who can save the patient’s life. 

You will not be able to donate if you have insulin dependent diabetes. But if you had been found as the only match, a clearance from the collection center physician is taken for further processing.

No, you can’t register/donate Blood Stem Cells if you have or had any kind of heart problems in the past and present.

Yes, you can register as Blood Stem Cell Donor. But once you are found as a match, a clearance from the collection center physician is taken for further processing.

Yes, you can register. If you are a match while you are pregnant, you cannot donate for a period of one and half to two years.

Yes, you can register. However, pregnant women and nursing mothers can’t donate as the health of the donor is DATRI’s priority.

Yes, you can register. If you are a match while you are pregnant, you cannot donate for a period of one and half to two years.

No, Blood Stem Cell Donation does not have any impact on your ability to have kids someday.

Yes, you can register. Once you are found as a match, a clearance from the collection center physician is taken for further processing.

Yes, you can register as Blood Stem Cell Donor.

Yes, you can register as Blood Stem Cell Donor.

Yes, you can register.

Being a blood stem cell donor is absolutely voluntary. Please remember that your refusal to donate could mean someone losing a chance to live!

The reports are shared only when it is formally requested by the donor. The donor has to mail his/her full name and barcode ID number (given in the Donor ID card) along with one government ID proof to hlareport@datri.org after 45 days of registration.

Please do write to us at followup@datri.org with your full name, date of birth, primary location and we shall share donor ID with you.

FAQ’s on Donation Process

How does the Donation process work?

The various steps of the donation process are explained below

  • Confirmatory Typing (CT)

A buccal swab /blood sample is collected to verify the HLA typing.

  • Master Health Check-up

A series of tests are done to ensure that the donor is fit and does not have any infectious diseases like Hepatitis B, HIV, CMV etc.

  • Donation

The donor will donate blood stem cells either by PBSC or Bone Marrow harvest methods whichever is discussed and consented for.

  • Transportation

DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry arranges to transport the Blood Stem Cells to the patient anywhere in the world.

If your HLA type matches with any patient looking for a match, you will be called upon to donate your Blood Stem Cells to save the patient. A cheek / buccal swab or a small sample of your blood is sent for Confirmatory Typing (CT) to verify your match with the patient.

There are two different methods of Blood Stem Cell Donation

  • Bone Marrow Donation
  • The Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Donation (PBSC Donation)

A medical health check up is mandatory for the donor to proceed with either method of blood stem cell collection. This is to make sure that the donor is healthy before he/she donates, and patient is not put at risk from the collected donor cells.

This is a traditional method that has been in practice for more than 40 years. Bone Marrow donation is an inpatient process where bone marrow is extracted from donor’s pelvic region (iliac crest -hip bone) through a process called Aspiration. The procedure happens inside the Operation Theater once the donor is given general anesthesia. The entire procedure will take between 1 and 2 hours.

About 80% of Blood Stem Cell Donations across the world are PBSC (Peripheral Blood Stem Cell), where once the donor is declared healthy; he/she is administered sub-cutaneous injection of G-CSF (Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor) growth factor for 5 days. G-CSF is a glycoprotein that stimulates the bone marrow to produce blood stem cells and release them into the blood steam. This 5-day period is called mobilization period as G-CSF is mobilized into peripheral blood. The Collection happens on the 5th day of the mobilization period through a process called Apheresis where in the blood stem cells alone are taken from the donor’s body and rest of the blood is returned to the donor’s blood circulation. Apheresis process is an outpatient procedure which lasts for 3-4hrs, similar to platelet donation. Post collection, the elevated stem cell (granulocyte) count will normalize within 1-2 days.

  • Bone marrow donation

The most serious risk associated with Donating Bone Marrow involves the use and effects of general anesthesia during extraction. After the bone marrow extraction, you might feel tired or weak and the area where the bone marrow was extracted might feel sore for a few days. You will be advised a pain reliever for the discomfort. You’ll likely be able to get back to your normal routine within a couple of days, but it may take a couple of weeks before you feel fully recovered.

  • Peripheral blood stem cell donation

The risks of this type of Blood Stem Cell Donation are minimal. Before the donation, you’ll get injections of GCSF that increases the number of blood stem cells in your peripheral blood. GCSF may sometimes cause, bone pain, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. These usually disappear within a couple of days. You will be advised to take a pain reliever for the discomfort by the collection center  physician.

You can donate in the city where you live, if there is an apheresis / bone marrow collection center. In case there is no apheresis / bone marrow collection center in the city, DATRI will make all the necessary travel and stay arrangements to facilitate donation.

A maximum of 300ml of Blood Stem Cells will be collected this is determined by calculating the weight of the patient.

In most of the cases the donation would take place 1 to 3 months after the confirmatory test. We always give notice and accommodate your schedule.

With DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry the donor can only donate Blood Stem Cell up to two times. This number is restricted because DATRI is focused on treating donors with care. However, there are no health restrictions involved with further donations.

As a standard practice across registries worldwide, the details of the donor and patient are kept confidential.

The donor/patient may be told the following details of the Patient/donor

  • Age group
  • Gender
  • Diagnosis

All registries across the globe follow a standard protocol. DATRI facilitates donor recipient meeting after one year of donation at a mutually agreed time and place. This standard protocol is to support the donors’ and the recipients’ privacy and discretion.

You could be that 1 in 10,000 match! It is near impossible to find another alternative because your HLA is unique. 12 characteristics of the HLA are evaluated which have to match with the patient, which makes it so difficult. You are the only hope for the suffering life.

Blood Stem Cell Donation is similar to blood donation. So there are no religious interferences. Moreover, no religion restricts saving another life.

Irrespective of gender, there have been no reported cases or research evidence that suggests adverse effect on fertility. Blood Stem Cell Donation does not influence or affect fertility.

Your body will not be deprived of blood stem cells. The 5 days of GCSF injection increases the number of blood stem cells in your blood stream. These ‘extra’ blood stem cells will be collected from your body for the patient. During blood stem cell donation only these extra blood stem cells are collected; the remaining components of blood (RBC, WBC, platelets) are returned to the body.

No. For female donors, pregnancy test would be done during health checkup and before donation process. If it is positive you will not be permitted to donate. But you can be a blood stem cell donor one year after child birth, and once you stop nursing your child.

Treating physician of the patient will be the right judge to determine whether the patient needs a PBSC product or Bone Marrow product. However, when we counsel the donor for both, the final choice is left with the donor to choose through which method he/she is willing to donate.

There have been no long term side effects reported. Less than 10% of donors face flu-like symptoms. This is due to G-CSF which increases the number of white blood cells in the blood stream. These symptoms are alleviated with a prescribed paracetamol.

Potential donors who have tested positive for HIV, Type 1 diabetes, or have had epilepsy, or currently pregnant, nursing cannot donate. To know more in detail about exclusion criteria please see (link).

No. Mostly, it is not required. In case, if it is required then the collection center physician will advise.

Blood stem cells are immature primitive cells that have the capacity to multiply and mature into different types of blood cells such as

  • Red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body
  • White blood cells, which help fight infection
  • Platelets, which help control bleeding.

Becoming Blood Stem Cell Donor is important because, patient has only 25% chance of finding a HLA matched donor within the family. Those who do not find a match within the family have to depend on a registry like DATRI to find a HLA matched Unrelated Blood Stem Cell Donor willing to donate their blood stem cells. There are more than 4500+ patients in the DATRI’s database who are still waiting for a match. You could be a life-saving match to such a patient and gift them a chance to survive. If you are not registered with DATRI, chances are you might be a lifesaving match for someone and we will not be able to find you.

When Blood Stem Cells are extracted from the Bone Marrow, it is called Bone Marrow Donation. If the Blood Stem Cells are collected from the Peripheral Blood Stream, the procedure is called Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PSBC) Donation.

The chances of survival for children are 80% and adults are 60%. It also depends up on other factors like the severity and the stage of the disease.

In a cord blood transplant the cord blood stem cells are collected and stored in a cord blood bank, and used when required. But in a blood stem cell donation, blood stem cells are collected only when there is a HLA matched donor and at the correct time of treatment of the patient.

Patients rely on the HLA matched donor with a lot of hope to recover. So if you are found to be a match, you should willingly donate your blood stem cells, as you are the ONLY one who can save the patient’s life.

DATRI is a not-for- profit organization registered as a Section 8 company. We depend on monetary contributions to add potential donors to the registry, to help donation process and to support our operational expenses.

There are 3 (three) requirements,

  • You must be between the age of 18 and 50 years.
  • You must fulfill some of the important health guidelines–free from diseases like HIV, Hepatitis, cardiac illness, auto immune disorders, chronic lung disease etc.
  • Most important, you should have a kind heart to help someone in need.

A cheek / buccal swab, is a non-invasive way to collect cells from the inside of a person’s cheek, which are then used to do the HLA typing.

Yes, all our donor data’s are kept confidential. The data is encrypted and stored in a secure database.

It takes about 5 weeks for the HLA typing results to be added to the registry.

Yes, you can donate.

Donating blood stem cells does not interfere with your normal routine or your family life. All our donors who have donated are leading a normal life.

You can send a mail to followup@datri.org or info@datri.org with details to be updated along with the donor number printed on your donor ID card.

There are no long term side effects have been recorded. Donor may experience some short term side effects like slight headache, nausea or body ache during the 5 days of the GCSF injection. This decreases once the blood stem cells are collected from the donor’s blood stream. Also, during the period of GCSF injection, a general paracetamol will be prescribed by collection center physician.

FAQ’s on Donor & Recipient Meet

Will I get to know the details of the patient for whom I am donating blood stem cells

Please note that as per guidelines followed by large Blood Stem Cell Registries across the world, personal details of Donor or Patient will NOT be revealed to either party till the minimum stipulated period is over post-transplant. This is also dependent on the prevailing laws in the country of residence of patient. Further, any update on Patient health status will be shared ONLY if the same is made available to us by the Transplant Center. This requires Patient Consent as well. This protocol is strictly adhered to by DATRI in accordance with our data confidentiality policy as well.

Please click on the below link to know more about this:

https://www.nature.com/articles/bmt20102#Sec5

Kindly note that any Donor-Patient interaction will be possible ONLY after a period of minimum 1(one) year post transplant date based on mutual written consent from both parties. Donors and patients can contact each other anonymously via DATRI. This will be further dependent on below parameters:

# The regulations prevalent in the patient’s country of residence

# Health of the patient: Any such interaction is possible ONLY if the patient is in good health and is desirous for the same.