5 frequently asked questions about stem cell donation

1. How likely is it that I will be called up?  

The chance of that happening is very small, less than 1%. That is why it is important that as many people as possible all over the world are registered as stem cell donors.  

The chance of being called up also differs somewhat depending on the person. This has to do with such factors as a person's age, gender and heritage. For example, stem cells from a younger donor are often preferable, because they offer the patient the best chance of recovery.  

2. Do I get paid for donating my stem cells?

If you are called up as a stem cell donor, all your expenses will be covered, e.g. your travel expenses, time away from work, staying at a hotel near the hospital, etc. Dutch law stipulates that you cannot get paid for the stem cell donation itself.    

3. Is stem cell donation painful?  

The donation itself does not hurt. When you donate stem cells via your blood, all you will feel are the pinpricks when the IV is inserted into your arms. When you donate stem cells via your bone marrow, you will be put under general anaesthetic so you do not feel the needles in your pelvis.  

You may experience some complaints on the days before and after the donation. When donating via the blood, these complaints mostly occur on the days before the donation. When donating via the bone marrow, they may occur after the donation.  

Blood: Before donating stem cells via your blood, a growth factor will be administered. It will cause your stem cells to move from your bone marrow into your bloodstream. The growth factor can cause flu-like symptoms and pain in your bones. The severity of these symptoms differs per person. In most cases, they are easily treatable with paracetamol. The symptoms will go away on the day of the donation.  

Bone marrow: When you donate stem cells via your bone marrow, the growth factor is not needed, so you will not experience any complaints prior to the donation. In the days after the procedure, you may experience some soreness at the extraction site. You may also feel fatigued.  

4. Can I still say ‘no’ after being called up?  

Absolutely. Stem cell donation is a voluntary process; as a donor, you always decide what you do (not) want to do. From the moment you are called up as a potential match, we will ask you several times throughout the process if you are still willing to go ahead with the donation.  

That being said, we hope you read the information on our website carefully before registering as a stem cell donor, so you know what you are signing up for.  

If you are selected as a (potential) match and you have doubts about the process, please let us know as soon as possible. The sooner we know about this, the smaller the impact for the patient will be if you do decide not to go ahead with the donation process.  

5. Am I allowed to know to whom I donated my stem cells?  

Stem cell donation is an anonymous process. That means you as a donor will not know to whom you donated your stem cells and the patient will not know whose stem cells they received. You will told about the patient's age bracket and gender, which gives you some idea of the person to whom you donated your stem cells.  

In addition, donors and patients can send each other anonymous letters. These letters must be written in English and cannot contain any personal details.