Why are there weight limits on joining the Stem Cell Registry?

You cannot join the registry if you are severely obese (body mass index over 35), or if you weigh less than 50 kilograms. Stem cell collection poses greater risks for severely obese persons than it does for others. In the case of particularly small or underweight people, on the other hand, the collection process may not be able to collect enough stem cells to treat the patient.

In addition to the safety of the recipient of the stem cell transplant, the criteria for joining the registry always also take the donor’s wellbeing into account, and no risks are taken when it comes to the donor’s health.