Understanding Stem Cell Donation

Learn about the donation process and how you can help save lives

The Donation Process

A blood stem cell donation from a healthy donor replaces a recipient patient's unhealthy stem cells to help heal and re-boost their blood and immune systems. We're with you every step of the way.

1

Confirm your health

Months or years may pass after registration. Our comprehensive health screening confirms you're still eligible to donate if selected as a match.

2

Information session

A registered nurse will schedule a phone information session to discuss donation details.

3

Blood test

Visit a nearby Canadian Blood Services clinic for blood samples to test for infectious diseases.

4

Physical examination

A physician at the donation hospital will perform routine medical tests to confirm your health status.

5

Confirm participation

Sign a consent form after medical clearance. The patient will then begin their pre-transplant treatments.

6

Donate to the patient

Your collected stem cells will be transported to the transplant hospital and infused into the patient.

What Happens After Donation?

🏃‍♂️

Resume normal activities

Most donors can return to their usual activities the next day.

🔄

Stem cell regeneration

Your bone marrow continuously makes new blood stem cells, quickly replacing the ones you donated.

🤝

Meeting the recipient

Some donors can meet the stem cell recipient if both parties agree, creating a special experience.

How are stem cells matched?

Not all patients can match with just any donors. Potential stem cell donors are matched to patients through our "HLA" (Human Leukocyte Antigen) system. This genetic signature controls how our immune system functions and recognizes external threats.

HLA determines whether the recipient's defense system will accept and work well with the donor's stem cells. Since everyone's HLA markers differ, finding a match can be challenging, even among family members.

A diverse and large pool of stem cell registrants increases the chances of finding suitable matches for patients in need.

Facts vs. Fiction

Myth

Stem cell donation involves spinal cord surgery

Fact

Stem cells are never taken from the spinal cord. Collection happens through blood draw, pelvic bone procedure, or umbilical cord blood collection.

Myth

All stem cell donations require surgery

Fact

Most donations are non-surgical, performed through a needle in the arm, similar to giving blood. Only bone marrow donation involves a surgical procedure.

Myth

The donation process is extremely painful

Fact

Bone marrow donation is done under general anesthesia. PBSC donation is a non-surgical procedure with mild discomfort. Recovery involves mild-moderate soreness.

Myth

Recovery takes months

Fact

Peripheral blood donors usually return to work the next day. Bone marrow donors typically resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks.

Myth

Family members are always the best donors

Fact

Only 25% of patients find matching donors within their family. Most successful matches come from unrelated donors with similar ethnic backgrounds.

Myth

Donated stem cells don't regenerate

Fact

Your body completely replaces donated stem cells within six weeks. Most donors return to their routine within days.

Have More Questions?

If you or your family have specific questions not covered here, please reach out: