Stem Cell Transplant – Donor Information

What is a Stem Cell Transplant?

A stem cell transplant is a life-saving procedure used to treat serious blood and immune disorders such as:

• Leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells)
• Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
• Bone marrow failure (e.g. severe aplastic anaemia)
• Genetic blood and immune system disorders (e.g. sickle cell anaemia)

Ampath supports the national drive by the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) to recruit more donors.

Why Should You Become a Donor?

• Over 73,000 donors are currently listed on the SABMR
• More than 450 patients have received unrelated bone marrow transplants in South Africa
• SABMR works with 75+ international registries totalling ~33 million donors worldwide
• Donor matches are based on inherited tissue types, which vary by race and ethnicity
• The more diverse the donor pool, the better the chance of finding a match
• There is only a 1 in 100,000 chance of finding a perfect match
• Testing is painless and free

Donor Criteria

To register as a donor, you must be:

• Aged 18–45 years
• In good health (not at risk of hepatitis or STIs)
• Weigh over 50 kg with a BMI under 40
• Preferably a blood donor
• Willing to help any patient, not just family
• Resident in South Africa for at least 2 years after joining

🔗 More info and registration: www.sabmr.co.za/become-a-donor

How to Become a Donor

1. Visit sabmr.co.za/become-a-donor
2. Review the eligibility criteria
3. Complete and return the donor application form to 📧 donors@sabmr.co.za
4. If eligible, you'll receive:
   • A buccal (cheek) swab kit, OR
   • Instructions to visit a local SABMR site for sample collection
5. Follow the kit instructions
6. Your swabs will be analysed
7. Results will be ready in 4–8 weeks
8. You'll receive a donor membership card

What Happens After You Register?

You could remain on the registry for months or years before being matched.

If you're identified as a potential match:

1. SABMR will contact you for medical screening
2. Further blood tests will be done
3. If a transplant proceeds:
   • You’ll be referred to a specialist centre
   • A medical exam and stem cell collection will follow

The Donation Procedure

1. You'll receive a five-day course of G-CSF injections to move stem cells into your bloodstream
2. Possible side effects include:
   • Headache
   • Bone pain
   • Flu-like symptoms (usually mild and temporary)
3. On donation day:
   • An IV line is inserted
   • Blood is circulated through a cell separator machine
   • The machine collects stem cells and returns your blood
   • The procedure lasts 4–6 hours per day, sometimes over two days
4. Post-procedure: You may feel tired for a few days

All costs are covered by SABMR

Be Someone’s Tomorrow

You can be a hero.
Sign up, save lives, and help build a better future through stem cell donation.