Why register as a stem cell donor?
Stem cells are in the soft tissues inside your bone marrow. They make red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. They can be the only hope for a cure for people with damage to their bone marrow from leukemia or a blood disorder. Your stem cells might just be the perfect match for someone like them.
You could save someone’s life.
Over 5,900
people lose their lives every year from blood cancer.
Can I register?
If you’re aged between 18 to 35 and in good health, you’ll most likely be able to join the registry.
Men, you can make a real difference
Men aged between 18-35 are often the most successful blood stem cell donors because they can give more stem cells. That said, we encourage everyone within this age range to join the registry if they can.
Ethnic diversity is key
Having diverse donors can help more patients in Australia find their match so they don’t have to look internationally . If you’re from an Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, Pacific Islander, Asia or Middle Eastern ancestry, the registry really needs donors like you.
How do I register?
It only takes a few simple steps:
1
Book a blood donation with Lifeblood
2
When you arrive in centre, speak to our friendly staff about joining the registry
3
Give a small blood sample at the same time of your donation
4
Enjoy a snack on us!
What happens next?
Your blood will be tested, typed, and recorded on the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry. If you’re found to be a match, you’ll be contacted by our friends at Strength to Give who will advise you on the next steps . It might just be one of the most exciting phone calls you ever receive!
Did you know? Donors will only have a 1 in 1,500 chance of being a match each year.
Can’t give blood?
We may still be able to help you register. Give us a call on 13 14 95 to learn about your options.
Curious to learn more? Check out our FAQs
- What is the stem cell donor registry and how is it connected to Lifeblood?
The Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry is run by our friends at Strength to Give. Lifeblood is a proud partner, and we help recruit donors for recipients needing their perfect match.
- Why donate and register with Lifeblood?
When you register and donate with Lifeblood, you could be twice the lifesaver. Not only will you join the stem cell registry and potentially donate your bone marrow to someone in need, but you will also support patients who need blood or plasma products as part of their treatment.
- How often does a patient find a match within their family?
Only 30% of patients find a match within their family. The remaining 70% of patients need to find an unrelated donor through the Australian donor registry or stem cell registries around the world
- I’m already a blood donor. How do I sign up to the registry?
We'd love to help! If you’re between 18 to 35 years old, just speak to a friendly staff at your next blood donation and we’ll help you with the sign-up process.
- If I am found to be a stem cell donor match, how does blood stem cell donation work?
If you are the perfect match for a patient, you will be contacted by our friends at Strength to Give. For most blood stem cell donations (around 90% of the time), the process is a lot like giving plasma, with a few additional steps. To find out more about the donation process, check out this handy information from Strength to Give.
All donations are safe to do, and you’ll always feel incredibly special knowing you’ve helped save someone’s life. To find out more, check out Strength to Give.
You may also like
Making your donation
Get started by booking in a regular blood donation. Just let us know you want to join the registry when you arrive.
How to donate blood
Why donate bone marrow?
Before her bone marrow donation, Mapalo needed monthly treatments to fight off sickle cell anaemia. See how generosity like yours can change lives.
Read more stories
Visit the Bone Marrow Donor Registry
Learn more about the impact a bone marrow donor can have, or learn more about how it all works.
Visit the ABMDR
