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Donor search FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the donor search process.
How do I find a donor or cord blood unit for my transplant?
When should a donor search start?
The sooner your doctor starts a donor search, the better the chance you have of getting a transplant when you need it. There are guidelines on the best time to see a transplant doctor depending your diagnosis.
If you haven’t seen a transplant doctor yet, ask your doctor if transplant may be an option for you and if you need HLA typing. They can refer you to a transplant doctor and get your HLA tested.
Your transplant team can look for a donor while you are getting other treatments.
How is a donor or cord blood unit found?
Should my family members and friends get tested for me?
How likely is it that a match will be found for me?
Each brother and sister who has the same parents as you has a 25% chance (1 in 4) of matching you. 70% of people don't have a fully matched donor in their family.
If you don’t have a match in your family, your doctor will search the Be The Match Registry to find a matched unrelated donor or cord blood unit. Depending on your ethnic background, the chance of finding a match is between 29% and 79%.
How does my transplant team know which is the best donor or cord blood unit for me?
What if there are no perfectly matched donors or cord blood units for me?
How long does it take to find a donor or cord blood unit for transplant?
How do I find out how my search is going?
How much money will it cost me to find donor?
Will I get to meet my donor?
If you have an unrelated donor, you won’t know who your donor is on transplant day. There are privacy rules in place to protect you and your donor. But, there are some ways you may be able to contact your donor after transplant.
If you have a cord blood transplant, you will never have any contact with the person who donated the cord blood.