Joining the Stem Cell Registry is easy – remember to return your sample
A stem cell donor can literally save the life of someone who is seriously ill. Donors are found through the Stem Cell Registry, which constantly needs new members. Joining is easy, either at a Blood Service office or by ordering a sample kit to your home. Returning the sample to the Blood Service is the crucial step in completing your registration.
Currently, the Finnish Stem Cell Registry has about 80,000 members. Each year, an average of 60 members get the chance to donate stem cells and save a life.
The registry is looking for new members aged 18–35.
Joining is simple:
- First, take the online test to make sure you are eligible to join.
- You can join the Stem Cell Registry either at a Blood Service office or by ordering a sample kit to your home. More info
- If you join at an office, you will give your sample on the spot.
- If you order the kit to your home, send the sample back to the Blood Service in the free return envelope. Once your sample has been received and laboratory tests completed, your tissue type will be recorded and your membership will become active.
Almost 30% of the samples are not returned
“Returning the sample is absolutely essential,” says Taina Jaatinen, Head of the Stem Cell Registry.
“Without the sample and tissue typing, we cannot register you as a member. Each year, about 5,000 new members join the Stem Cell Registry. Unfortunately, nearly 30% doesn´t return their sample, leaving the process incomplete.”
“Every new member of the Stem Cell Registry is invaluable. However, patients can only benefit from those members whose samples we receive and analyse,” Jaatinen reminds.
The patient is matched with the donor whose tissue type is the best fit.
“Joining the registry does not mean you will donate stem cells immediately – you live your normal life, and we will contact you if you could be a perfect match for someone.”
