In order to ensure the closest possible match for a patient, our laboratories perform tissue-typing at molecular level.
For a transplant to be successful, donor and patient cells have to be compatible. In many cases, compatibility is determined in our own laboratories by comparing the results of very detailed and precise tests conducted on blood samples from both the donor and the patient.
The most likely source of compatible cells is from the patient’s own immediate family – brothers or sisters. The chances of a sibling matching a patient is 1:4. If this route is unsuccessful, or the patient has no suitable relatives the next most likely course of action could be the search for an unrelated donor.
Only 30% of patients needing transplants identify a match within their family and receive bone marrow from a relative, usually a sibling.
70% simply do not have this opportunity.
This means that the majority of patients who are eligible for a bone marrow transplant need access to a compatible unrelated donor.
