Why haven’t I been called to donate? How matching works
The long search for the right match
When a patient needs a stem cell transplant, their doctors are looking for a donor whose HLA markers match theirs as closely as possible. HLA markers are proteins found on the surface of most cells in the body. These markers help the immune system figure out if something is “you” or “not you.” The closer the match, the better the chances of the transplant working and the lower the risk of complications.
But here’s the thing: not everyone in the registry is going to be called to donate. And that’s totally okay – your registration is still incredibly important. We need you here to help build the largest possible pool of potential matches. Think of it like the more people in the crowd, the higher the chance we’ll find that one person who’s exactly what’s needed.
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Why haven’t I been contacted yet?
There’s a chance you’re wondering why, even though you signed up, you haven’t been contacted for testing or donation yet. The truth is, the search for a match is a complicated process. Doctors typically look for at least eight matching HLA markers between a donor and a patient. Even if your markers don’t match one patient’s perfectly, your info stays in the registry, and you could still be called if your markers line up with someone else’s in the future.
Here’s something else: finding a match is tough. Most patients don’t have a perfect match in their family, so their best chance is to find an unrelated donor. That means most of the time, patients are looking outside their immediate family for help. So even though you may not match a patient today, you might be the perfect match for someone down the road.
So, why do we still need you?
It’s natural to feel a bit bummed out if you haven’t been picked. But here’s the thing – your role in the registry is still critical. Just by being here, you’re increasing the chances of someone finding a match. Every new donor makes the network stronger, and your place in it could save someone’s life when the time comes.
The science behind the match
HLA matching is a complex science, and while advancements in technology have made it easier to identify more markers, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be picked. Here’s how it typically works: Once a patient’s doctors are ready to find a match, they’ll narrow the field down to about eight potential donors based on their HLA markers. From there, they’ll conduct more tests, and only one or two will move forward to donation. It’s totally normal for people to feel disappointed if they don’t get chosen – but if you’re ever tested, it means your chances of being selected for someone else are that much higher.
What happens if you’re chosen?
If you do get contacted as a potential match, we’ll walk you through what happens next. It typically means more tests (like a blood test) and some health checks to make sure you’re good to go. But that’s when things get real – you could be the one to help someone get a second chance at life.
Just remember: being a part of the registry, whether you’re contacted today or not, is a key part of making stem cell transplants work. You’re giving people hope, and even if it’s not your turn yet, you’re making a difference every day just by being here.
