FAQ

You cannot join the registry if you are severely obese (body mass index over 35), or if you weigh less than 50 kilograms. Stem cell collection poses greater risks for severely obese persons than it does for others. In the case of particularly small or underweight people, on the other hand, the collection process may not be able to collect enough stem cells to treat the patient.

In addition to the safety of the recipient of the stem cell transplant, the criteria for joining the registry always also take the donor’s wellbeing into account, and no risks are taken when it comes to the donor’s health.

You can join the Stem Cell Registry if you are 18-35 years old. Studies have shown that the age of the donor has a significant effect on the success of the treatment. The younger the donor, the better the outcome of the transplant. This is why we encourage young people especially to join the Stem Cell Registry!

You can remain a member of the registry until your 56th birthday, even though today it is rare that anyone over the age of 40 is chosen as a stem cell donor.

You cannot join the Stem Cell Registry if you have coeliac disease.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own white blood cells attack and destroy the lining of the small intestine. Because white blood cells develop from blood stem cells, the coeliac disease might be carried on the recipient. The growth factor treatment given to the stem cell donor can also aggravate the symptoms of the disease.

High cholesterol and cholesterol medication are not barriers to joining the Stem Cell Registry.

However, high cholesterol does pose a risk to the donor, and may be a barrier to donating stem cells if untreated.

Completely controlled hypothyroidism is not a barrier to joining the Stem Cell Registry.

Allergies are generally not a barrier to joining the Stem Cell Registry, but if you have many allergies, we encourage you to contact the registry before joining.