To begin, you would participate in an information session where you'd learn about the donation process.

If you agree to move forward, you would then sign a consent-to-donate form. From there you would be given a physical exam and provide additional blood samples to ensure that donation is safe for both you and the patient. After these steps are completed successfully and the patient is ready, you would proceed to donation.

Information Session

The information session will provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about donation. During the session, you'll receive educational materials to review, which you can share with family and friends. You'll also find out what type of donation has been requested by the patient's doctor—either marrow or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). We'll talk you through the entire donation and recovery process, including risks and side effects. As always, we invite you to ask as many questions as you'd like. At the end of the session, we'll ask you to sign a consent form stating your commitment to continue, and we'll also schedule your physical exam.

If you'd like to learn more about the methods of donation, visit the How would you donate? question below.

Physical Exam

During the physical exam, a doctor will conduct tests to determine whether or not you are physically able to donate. These tests are necessary in order to ensure the safety of both you and the patient. The exam includes urine and blood tests, and may include a chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG). Your donor contact representative will work with you to schedule the physical exam. These activities will occur as close to your home or work as possible. Costs for the physical exam are covered by Be The Match®.

Additional Blood Testing

To ensure that donation is safe for both you and the patient, blood samples will be requested throughout the process. This testing is done to ensure that no infectious diseases will be transmitted to the patient.

After these steps are completed successfully, you would proceed to donation.

For more information, download You're a Match: A Donor's Guide to Donation. Or, visit the online version: You're a Match: A Donor's Online Guide to Donation.



Note: A Donor's Online Guide to Donation will not function properly on Apple devices.

Your decision to move forward in the donation process is a serious commitment. We encourage you to discuss your decision with your family and friends. You can also share the information from this site with them.

We understand that things may come up that make continued participation in this program difficult. If you decide that you are unable to donate, we ask that you let us know right away. We will need to continue the search for another donor without delays for the patient. To be removed from the Be The Match Registry®, call the number that was provided to you in the letter or email that led you to this site, or call 1 (800) MARROW 2 (1-800-627-7692).