Bone Marrow Registry & Support Resources

🏥 UK Bone Marrow Registry Organisations

The following organisations maintain bone marrow and blood stem cell donor registries that connect potential donors with patients in need of life-saving transplants across the UK.

📝 How to Get on the Registry

Becoming a donor is straightforward. There are multiple ways to register depending on which organisation you choose.

NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry Route

1. Be a Blood Donor
   You must already be registered as a blood donor with NHS Blood Donation.
2. During Your Next Appointment
   Ask a staff member at your next blood, plasma or platelet donation session for a leaflet about joining the stem cell registry.
3. Extra Blood Sample
   An additional small blood sample will be taken for tissue typing (HLA typing).
4. Provide Consent
   Your consent is recorded and your details are added to the register.
5. Remain on File
   Your details are kept until age 61 unless you choose to opt out.

Anthony Nolan / DKMS Route (Online Registration)

1. Check Eligibility Online
   Complete a short health questionnaire on the organisation's website.
2. Request Free Swab Kit
   The kit arrives by post (typically within 3-7 days).
3. Swab Your Cheeks
   Follow instructions to swab inside your mouth - similar to a large cotton bud. Does not hurt.
4. Return by Post
   Send the swabs back in the prepaid envelope provided.
5. HLA Type Added
   Your tissue type is processed and added to the register until age 61.

✅ Who Is Eligible to Become a Donor?

NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry

• Aged 17 to 41 (must be blood donor)
• Already registered as a blood donor with NHS Blood Donation
• In good general health
• Details kept until age 61

Anthony Nolan

• Aged 16 to 30 to register
• Cheek swab used for tissue typing
• Details kept on register until age 61

DKMS UK

• Aged 16 and over
• Free swab kit by post
• Details retained until age 61

Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry

• Aged 17 to 31 (general criteria)
• Aged 16 to 46 for Black, Asian, mixed heritage or minority ethnic background

General Health Requirements

Donors must be in excellent overall health. Each registry maintains specific medical condition databases to check eligibility. Common exclusions include:

• Uncontrolled heart disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• HIV/AIDS
• Active or history of cancer (exceptions may apply)
• Severe anaemia
• Certain chronic illnesses
• Recent major surgery or procedures
• Some medications (chemotherapy, immunosuppressants)
• Weight outside approved ranges

If you're uncertain about your eligibility, you can begin the registration process and the health questionnaire will determine your suitability. Anthony Nolan and DKMS offer searchable condition databases. Email register.support@anthonynolan.org to check if you're already registered.

💉 How Donation Works

Once matched with a patient, there are two donation methods. The patient's consultant determines which is best for their treatment and your health.

Donors are covered by insurance policies for complications directly related to donation. Your safety is the registry's top priority throughout the entire process.

❤️ Support Groups for Blood Cancer Patients & Families

Facing a blood cancer diagnosis (leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS, MPN) is challenging. Several UK charities offer comprehensive support networks.

Major Blood Cancer Charities

Local & Regional Support

Specialist Centres

🕊️ Bereavement Support After Cancer Loss

For those who have lost loved ones to blood cancers, specialised grief support is available across the UK.

⚠️ Important Considerations

Already Registered? If you're unsure whether you're already on a registry, email register.support@anthonynolan.org with your name and date of birth to check.

Blood Cancer Statistics: Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with over 41,000 people diagnosed every year. Approximately 250,000 people are living with blood cancer in the UK.

🆘 Urgent Support Resources