Why are stem cells donated anonymously?

The stem cell donor and recipient are not given any identifying information about each other. This is a basic principle of the Stem Cell Registry.

The idea is the same as in blood donation: the donor gives a gift that is then passed on to the patient. The anonymity of the process has the purpose of emphasising that all patients are equal – whether they are children or adults, Finns or foreigners.

The stem cell donor has the opportunity to enquire about the patient’s status one year after the donation.