Who can become a stem cell donor?

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 50 who lives on Aruba and meets the health requirements can register as a stem cell donor free of charge.

The minimum age for becoming a stem cell donor is 18. The maximum age for registering as a donor is 50, after which you may be called up to donate until the age of 55. Stem cells donors are automatically removed from the database when they turn 56. This is done because the quality of the stem cells begins to decrease significantly from that age, while the risks of a stem cell donation increase.  

Research shows that stem cells from younger donors (preferably between the ages of 18 and 35) offer the best transplantation results in patients.  

Health 

When you fill out the registration form, you will be asked if your health permits you to become a stem cell donor. For example, you cannot become a donor if you have (had) a form of cancer, if you have an autoimmune disease or if you have other health problems.  

You can become a stem cell donor regardless of your sexual orientation or gender.  

When you are called up as a potential match, you must first undergo a thorough medical screening. During this screening, you may prove to be ineligible as a donor after all.  

We employ medical criteria because we are responsible for the donor's safety. It benefits no one if complications arise that could have been avoided. 

Three frequently asked questions 

I take medication. Can I become a stem cell donor?

We do not ask about your use of medication on the registration form. A lot of time may pass between your registration and the moment when you are actually called up. When you are selected as a potential match, we will therefore conduct a comprehensive medical survey.  

Taking paracetamol, birth control pills or ADD/ADHD medication is generally not a problem. If you take other forms of medication (daily), you may be ineligible as a stem cell donor. If you have any doubts about your eligibility as a stem cell donor, you can contact us before registering.  

When am I ineligible to register as a stem cell donor?

On the registration form, we ask you if your health permits you to become a stem cell donor.  

You cannot register as a stem cell donor if you   

  • Have (had) a form of cancer   
  • Have (risk factors for) cardiovascular disease   
  • Have had thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism  
  • Have a serious congenital blood disease and/or an increased tendency to bleed or clot  
  • Have (had) an autoimmune disease or other type of inflammatory disease  
  • Have an active hepatitis B, C, syphilis or HIV (AIDS) infection  
  • Have a serious (physical or mental) illness, need to take medication continuously and/or are limited in your daily functioning   
Is there a BMI limit for stem cell donation?

There are no BMI limits at the time of registration. Note, however, that if you are called up as a (potential) match, you may fail the medical screening if your BMI is too low or too high.