Joining The Register
Joining the register!
Step 1: Registration Form
Start by filling out the registration form carefully, online or on paper. Make sure all your details are correct because DKMS might need to contact you if you're a match. For those waiting for a stem cell
transplant, your accurate information could be what helps them get a second chance at life.
Step 2: Swab
You will receive three swabs. Pressing firmly but not too hard swab the inside of your cheeks for 60
seconds each, switching sides after each. Remember it’s not about the saliva it’s about your cheek cells. Let the swabs dry for 5 minutes without touching anything. Consider using the stopwatch on your smartphone.
Step 3: Seal the Deal
Put the dry swabs in the provided wallet and give it back to the volunteer. Now, you're on your way to possibly save a life! DKMS will take over, working to match you with someone in need.
Collaborative Impact
1. Forge Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations and individuals who share your cause.
Collective efforts amplify impact.
2. Organize Events: Host seminars, workshops, or awareness campaigns to engage the public.
Highlight real-life stories and data to underscore the importance of your cause.
3. Empower Others: Equip people with information and tools to become advocates
themselves. Create a ripple effect of awareness.
Basic eligibility criteria to join the register
aged between 17 (minimum age) – 55 (maximum age)
general good health
Body Mass Index (BMI) under 40
Not already registered on another bone marrow registry - you only need to be on one:
Anthony Nolan
British Bone Marrow Registry (BBMR)
Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry (WBMDR)
UK resident at a permanent address for two years minimum
You haven’t recently requested a swab online from DKMS.
Health conditions you can register with
You can still register if the following criteria apply to you:
Enlarged thyroid or underactive thyroid
Thyroid (hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis stable and symptom-free. NOT Graves’ disease
Iron-deficiency anaemia, if treatable with iron supplement
Hay fever, mild asthma, food allergy
Basalioma and cervical carcinoma in situ, if fully removed
Unipolar depression, mild depression, without any limitations in daily life; no previous manic episodes
High blood pressure, stable and well-controlled.
Health conditions you cannot register with
You will not be able to register if you have any of the following conditions:
Severe heart, lung or kidney diseases
Severe illnesses of the central nervous system
Severe mental health conditions
Severe metabolic diseases
Addictions: alcohol, drugs, tablets
Severe tropical infectious diseases
Infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C, syphilis
Systemic autoimmune diseases or other severe chronic illnesses, e.g. diabetes or
rheumatism
Cancer, including being cancer-free, but having had cancer in the past
Diseases of the haematopoietic system (blood disorders).
How long does the path to donation take?
Not all donors who match with a patient will be asked to go on to donate their stem cells. This can be for a number of reasons including:
The patient’s team may find another donor who is a slightly better match
The patient’s treatment plan may change
In addition, sometimes we may ask you to have a further blood test before the patient’s team to confirm if you are the best match.
It can take a number of weeks (up to 12) for us to receive the final decision from the patient’s team.
They will review lots of information to confirm if you are the very best match for their patient. As soon as we have an update we will let you know. Some patients have a very small window to receive a transplant, so you may hear from us very quickly and we may ask if you are able to attend a medical assessment within a couple of weeks. For others, it can take several months. It often depends on the patient’s diagnosis and state of health, which first has to be stabilised to increase the chances of the transplant succeeding.
Either way, DKMS will keep you informed every step of the way. They will stay in touch with you and be ready to answer any questions you may have.