What happens if you’re selected as a potential donor?
You’ve received a call from the Donor Support Team to let you know that you are the best match for a patient. This is amazing news! There are a couple of steps you need to go through before you’re able to donate. These checks are in place to make sure you are fit and healthy to donate.
The next step
Before you’re chosen as THE donor, we must double-check that your blood stem cells are suitable for the patient. To do this, you’ll need to complete a detailed health questionnaire. The health questionnaire asks some very personal questions such as sexual health, travel and your past medical history and that of your family – it’s a lot but it is needed. This information allows us to identify any potential risks to you or the recipient if you are chosen for donation.
You’ll need to provide a fresh blood sample so the patient’s team can “double check” your tissue typing and infectious disease marker (IDM) testing can be performed.
Your privacy is important to us. Your data is stored securely and only the information required to determine whether you are a suitable match is shared with the patient’s team-anonymously of course. The patient’s team will never know your identity.
Learn about what to expect with our VT factsheet.
Watch: Verification testing in detail
Read: Blood stem cell donation explained
Click the links below to download our factsheets about the blood stem cell donation process.
Blood stem cell donation explained How will donating blood stem cells impact me? Is donating blood stem cell or marrow painful? Manage stem cell donation alongside life commitments A patient’s journey to receive a blood stem cell transplant Managing a fear of needles while donating blood stem cellsThe donation process
