The first step is to join the NMDP Registry. NMDP representatives inform you about marrow and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation processes. You complete a brief health questionnaire, provide a small blood sample to determine your tissue type and sign a form consenting to have your tissue type listed on the Registry. Once listed on the Registry, your tissue type will be compared to the tissue types of thousands of patients around the world who need transplants.

If you are found to be a potential match for a patient, NMDP Donor Center representatives will ask for another blood sample to see whether you match well enough to be an actual donor for the patient. If you are indeed a match, you will receive further education about the donation processes.

To prepare for either donation procedure, you will attend an information session about the donation process and potential side effects of the procedure. You will have a physical exam to determine your health status and to discover if there are any special risks to you with either donation procedure. The health requirements are the same for marrow and PBSC donation.

You decide whether or not you will donate. However, there is limited funding for the typing and registration process. In addition, many patients have very critical time constraints in locating a donor. Therefore, if registering, you should be generally comfortable with the commitment to donate for any matching patient in need!

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