How to donate blood stem cells: a detailed guide
In recent years, with the advancement of medical technology, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has become an important means of treating blood diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. However, many people still have questions about how to donate blood stem cells. This article will introduce you to the donation process, precautions and related data in detail to help you better understand this charity act.
1. Basic knowledge of hematopoietic stem cell donation

Hematopoietic stem cells are primitive cells in the blood system and have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various blood cells. There are two main ways to donate hematopoietic stem cells: peripheral blood collection and bone marrow collection. Among them, peripheral blood collection is currently the most common method, accounting for more than 90%.
| Donation method | Proportion | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Peripheral blood collection | 90% | No surgery required, similar to donating blood |
| Bone marrow collection | 10% | Requires anesthesia and longer recovery period |
2. The process of donating hematopoietic stem cells
Donating blood stem cells is not an overnight process and requires multiple steps. The following is a detailed process description:
| steps | content | time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Registration | Go to the Chinese Marrow Bank or local blood station to fill out the application form | 10 minutes |
| 2. Blood sampling | Draw 8-10 ml of blood sample for HLA testing | 15 minutes |
| 3. Waiting for matching | Data is stored in the database, waiting for patient matching | Possibly months or years |
| 4. High-resolution detection | Further confirmation after successful matching | 1-2 weeks |
| 5. Physical examination | Comprehensive physical examination to ensure donation safety | half a day |
| 6. Donate | Peripheral blood collection or bone marrow collection | 3-5 hours |
| 7. Follow-up | Regular health follow-up after donation | 1 year |
3. Frequently asked questions about donating hematopoietic stem cells
1.Is donation harmful to the body?
Modern medical research shows that hematopoietic stem cell donation is safe. After peripheral blood collection, the donor may feel slight fatigue, but usually recovers within 1-2 weeks.
2.Are there any fees for donating?
All testing, collection and medical expenses are borne by the patient or the Chinese Bone Marrow Bank, and the donor does not need to pay any fees.
3.How high is the matching success rate?
The success rate of HLA matching is about 1/400 to 1/10000, which is why more volunteers are needed.
| kinship | Matching success rate |
|---|---|
| Identical twins | 100% |
| brothers and sisters | 25% |
| parents and children | 50% |
| Not related by blood | 0.01%-0.25% |
4. The significance of donating hematopoietic stem cells
According to the latest data from China’s hematopoietic stem cell donor database:
| Year | Number of donors | Treat patients |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,328 | 1,328 |
| 2021 | 1,642 | 1,642 |
| 2022 | 1,897 | 1,897 |
| 2023(January-September) | 1,563 | 1,563 |
Every successful donation means the rebirth of a life. Hematopoietic stem cell donation is not only a medical act, but also a transmission of great love in the world.
5. How to become a hematopoietic stem cell donation volunteer
1. Aged between 18-45 years old and in good health
2. Weight for men ≥50kg, for women ≥45kg
3. No serious infectious diseases or chronic diseases
4. Voluntarily and with the consent of family members
Those who meet the requirements can register at the local Red Cross or blood center, or register online through the official website of the Chinese Marrow Bank (www.cmdp.com.cn).
Hematopoietic stem cell donation is a noble cause that requires the attention and support of all sectors of society. We hope that the introduction in this article can eliminate your doubts about donation, encourage more people to join this charity, and bring hope to patients with blood diseases.
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