Q. Are there any risks or side effects associated with donating stem cells by Bone Marrow Harvest?
Recovery time is different for each person. It may take a few days to several weeks. You might feel more tired than usual because of the small incision made in the area where bone marrow was collected. It may be bruised and feel tender or sore. Your back and muscles may feel stiff or sore. You will be monitored during this procedure by medical team and some medications will be given to manage these symptoms. Your body will naturally replace the donated bone marrow in about 3 weeks.
Q. Are there any risks or side effects associated with donating stem cells by Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Apheresis?
Peripheral blood stem cells are collected from the blood in a procedure called (Apheresis) which may feel uncomfortable and may cause the following side effects such as dizziness, numbness or tingling in the fingers, toes, or lips and lower calcium in the blood due to the fluid used to prevent the blood from clotting. You will be monitored during this procedure by medical team and some medications will be given to manage these symptoms…
Also, filgrastim is a growth factor that stimulates the bone marrow to make more stem cells and release them into the blood; it may cause aching pain in your bones, muscle and headache. These side effects should disappear within 2 to 3 days after the procedure and recover back to your daily routine.
Q. How many times are you allowed to register with the Saudi Stem Cells Donor Registry?
Registration is a one-time process only and your name will remain in our database until you reach 60 years old.
Q. I believe I have registered as a donor in the Saudi Stem Cell Donor Registry SSCDR, how can I make sure of this?
Contact us and we will be able to help you with any questions and further information. (please see the index)
Q. Can I have or know my HLA typing test?
According to the rules and regulation of the Saudi Stem Cell Donor Registry, Donors are not allowed to have the HLA test results.
Q. I would like to perform HLA typing test for one of my relatives who needs stem cell donation, but I do not want to register with the registry. How can I help and what is the procedure?
Saudi Stem Cell Donor Registry run HLA typing test to all donors registered for unrelated stem cell donation in our database in particular. In this case, you need to directly communicate with your relative’s physician.
Q. Will I have to travel to hospital close to the patient for stem cell donation?
No, you will be directed by the SSCDR team coordinators to the nearest donation center for the stem cell donation. If you were directed to a different donation center far away from your residential place then the SSCDR will cover the full expenses of your travel.
Q. When and how I will be chosen as a potential donor for stem cell donation?
There is no specific time to call you as a potential donor. The process of finding a match is not an easy task, it could take days, months or years and you may or may not be a match for patient. In addition, you will receive a call from the SSCDR, once you are identified as a potential match donor for patient to start the stem cell donation process.
Q.I have been chosen as a potential matched donor, what is the stem cell donation process?
Once receiving a call from us and you agreed to donate, then you will visit us for an educational session with the registered representative and the transplant consultant who will explain the donation process. Then you will undergo clearance check-up for clinical examination and blood tests. This includes blood counts, liver function, and kidney function, HLA type and test for infectious diseases (Viral Hepatitis B, C and HIV/AIDS). You will choose your preferred method of stem cells donating.
Q.The interval period between initial and subsequent stem cell donation, either Bone Marrow or PBSC?
Due to the clinical situation of recipient post-transplant, the minimum interval between donations cannot be defined. After the first donation, the donor is reserved for 2 years from the initial recipient in order to be available for a subsequent donation. During this time, donor is not available for another patient.
Q.Criteria for female donor; pregnant or breastfeeding?
Selected female donor can donate stem cell if she is the best match and should not be pregnant, breastfeeding or undergone severe complications during childbirth delivery.