If at some time you appear to be a potential match as part of a search on behalf of a patient, you will be asked to submit several more fresh blood sample.
If further blood tests show you to be a complete match – congratulations! – You are offering immeasurable hope to a patient.
Prior to the donation, you will have a medical examination by an independent physician to confirm your fitness to proceed. Further blood samples will be taken to assess your health and ensure that no infection could be passed from you to the patient.
For more information on what happens in a transplant, click here.
Thousands of Anthony Nolan volunteers have gone on to become donors, offering hope and life to patients throughout the world.
The experience of donating bone marrow is simple and straightforward and donors have the opportunity to ask questions at any time.
We make all the arrangements for the donor and cover any financial loss incurred by our donors as a result of having donated blood stem cells (subject to prior agreement). A family member or friend is also able to accompany you to London. One of our donor welfare officers will be on hand as well.
Following the donation, a donor may receive updates on his or her patient’s progress and, after a two year confidentiality period, and subject to a request from the patient, some donors and patients may meet. This is rare and you should not expect this to happen. There are arguments to support the case for complete anonymity between patient and donor. However, for many volunteers simply knowing that they have offered someone the hope of life is all the reward they need.
