REGISTRATION AND DONOR BASICS

What is needed to join the registry?

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When you click the join link you will be taken to Bone Marrow Connections registration page on the Be The Match website. There you will create an account with your name and email address (don't worry BTM does not sell your information and you will only be sent pertinent emails), and if you are not at one of our in-person events you will click the option to receive your swab kit in the mail. You will then be asked general questions about your health and ethnic background. Once you have completed the questioner (takes less than 10 minutes to complete) Be The Match will send you a swab kit in the mail. 

After receiving your swab kit you will follow the instructions to collect cells from the inside of your cheek. Then all you do is send it back in the pre-paid envelope. 

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What does Be The Match do with my swabs?

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Be The Match will receive your cheek swabs and test them to determine what your specific protein markers are, these are known as Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). Your individual HLA combination will then be entered as a numerical code into the National Marrow Donor Program database. Please note that U.S. law and federal contracts require Be The Match to keep donor and patient information confidential, and they follow all HIPPA rules and regulations.

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How are patients and donors matched?

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Be The Match will receive your cheek swabs and test them to determine what your specific protein markers are, these are known as Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). Your individual HLA combination will then be entered as a numerical code into the National Marrow Donor Program database.

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When it is determined that a patient needs a stem cell transplant that patient’s HLA marker combination is identified and made into a code, just like a donor. Then the patient’s doctor or transplant teams compare the patient’s HLA combination to donor combinations on the registry, in hopes of finding someone with a similar, or better yet, a perfect (identical) match. If a match is found on the registry, Be The Match will contact the potential donor and go over a more in-depth questioner. In addition, more testing is usually requested (this is typically more cheek swabs) and is intended to confirm that donation is safe for both the donor and the patient. Donor and patient safety are always Be The Match’s main priority.   

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Please note that U.S. law and federal contracts require Be The Match to keep donor and patient information confidential, and they follow all HIPPA rules and regulations.

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What happens after a match is made?

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If the donor is determined to be the best match, then the patient's doctor will ask for one of two donation processes: peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) or bone marrow. The donation method chosen is based on the patient’s need, because one may have more chance of success over the other.

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