Blood stem cell donation gives hope to patients battling life-threatening diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia.

Since most patients are unable to find a matching donor within their family, unrelated donors from registries like DATRI become their best chance for survival.

Only about 25% of patients find a matching donor within their family, while the remaining patients depend on a blood stem cell donor registry to identify unrelated matches.

Increasing the number of registered blood stem cell donors in India improves the chances of finding life-saving matches for patients with blood cancers and disorders such as thalassemia.

DATRI is registered as a Section 8 not-for-profit organization under the Government of India. Contributions made to DATRI are eligible for tax exemption under Section 80G.

With over 6.5 lakh registered donors and 1800+ lives saved, DATRI is India’s largest blood stem cell donors registry.

DATRI is registered with the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) and is connected to the global Search, Match & Connect platform, formerly known as Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide (BMDW), enabling access to international donor searches and collaborations.

Transparency, donor safety, ethical practices, and patient support remain central to DATRI’s mission.

You can register online with the DATRI blood stem cell donors registry by filling out a simple form and providing a cheek swab sample for HLA typing.

Once your sample is processed, your details are added to the blood stem cell donor registry, helping patients searching for a matching blood stem cell donor in India.

HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) typing is a specialized genetic test used to identify tissue compatibility between a donor and a patient.

HLA markers act like unique identifiers for the immune system. A close HLA match is extremely important for a successful blood stem cell transplant and helps reduce the chances of transplant rejection or complications.

A close HLA match improves the chances of a successful transplant and reduces the risk of complications after transplantation.

Since HLA types are inherited genetically, patients are more likely to find matches among donors from similar ethnic backgrounds.

DATRI blood stem cell donors registry maintains a database of registered donors and their HLA types.

When a patient requires a transplant, the registry searches its database and international networks to identify a suitable matching donor. If a match is found and the donor is medically eligible and willing, the donation process is initiated.

Finding a matching unrelated blood stem cell donor can be extremely challenging. The probability of finding the right donor may range from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in millions, depending on the patient’s HLA type and ethnic background.

This is why every new donor added to the DATRI blood stem cell donors registry increases hope for patients waiting for a life-saving transplant.

No. Your body naturally replenishes the donated stem cells within a few weeks. Blood stem cell donation does not permanently weaken your immune system.

Yes. Joining the registry is completely voluntary, and donors can choose to withdraw at any stage.

However, if you are identified as a matching donor for a patient preparing for transplant, withdrawing at the final stage could seriously affect the patient’s treatment and chances of survival. DATRI therefore encourages donors to make an informed and committed decision while registering.

Registered donors generally remain on the registry until the age of 50, unless they choose to withdraw earlier or become medically ineligible.

Yes. DATRI follows strict confidentiality, compliance, and data protection protocols to safeguard donor and patient information at every stage.

Donor and patient identities are protected in accordance with registry guidelines, international standards, and medical ethics. Personal information is never shared without appropriate authorization.

No. Blood group matching is not as important as HLA matching in blood stem cell transplantation.

A successful transplant mainly depends on close Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) compatibility between the donor and patient.

Certain common medical conditions may still allow individuals to register, while others may not.

Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of medical condition, medications, and overall health status. If a donor is identified as a potential match, DATRI’s medical team conducts a detailed medical evaluation to ensure the safety and well-being of both the donor and the patient. 

The blood stem cell donation process begins when a registered donor is identified as a potential match for a patient.

The donor then undergoes confirmatory testing, medical evaluation, and counselling before donation. Depending on the patient’s medical requirement, stem cells are collected either through Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation or Bone Marrow (BM) donation.

Throughout the blood stem cell donation process, DATRI ensures complete medical guidance, donor safety, and logistical support.

There are two methods of donation:

Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation

This is the most common method. Stem cells are collected from the bloodstream using a procedure similar to blood donation.

Bone Marrow Donation

Stem cells are collected directly from the pelvic/hip bone under anaesthesia in a hospital setting.

The transplant physician decides the appropriate method based on the patient’s medical needs.

Most donors describe blood stem cell donation as manageable and not significantly painful.

In PBSC donation, the process is similar to donating platelets or blood. Some donors may experience temporary body aches or fatigue due to the medication used before collection.

In bone marrow donation, the procedure is performed under anesthesia, so the donor does not feel pain during the collection. Mild soreness afterward is temporary and usually resolves within a few days.

Blood stem cell donation is generally very safe.

Some donors may experience temporary side effects such as:

• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headache
• Mild soreness or discomfort

These effects are usually short-term and closely monitored by medical professionals.

No. The body naturally replenishes the donated stem cells within a few weeks. Blood stem cell donation does not reduce your body’s long-term ability to produce healthy stem cells.

Donor safety is DATRI’s highest priority throughout the blood stem cell donation process.

A comprehensive medical evaluation, including infectious disease screening and overall health assessment, is conducted before donation. The process proceeds only after medical clearance from qualified doctors and transplant specialists.

Donors are carefully monitored before, during, and after donation to ensure their safety and well-being.

For PBSC donation, most donors return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

For bone marrow donation, recovery may take a few days due to mild soreness or tiredness. The body naturally replenishes the donated stem cells within a few weeks.

The timeline may vary depending on the patient’s treatment schedule and the donation method.

From confirmatory testing to actual donation, the process may take several weeks. DATRI’s team coordinates closely with donors throughout the journey.

The donated stem cells are transplanted into the patient to help rebuild their blood and immune system.

For many patients battling blood cancers or blood disorders, a donor transplant can be life-saving and may offer the possibility of long-term recovery or cure.

Yes, a donor may be requested to donate again if medically eligible and if required for the patient’s treatment. However, repeat donations are relatively uncommon.

Donor safety is always the highest priority during every stage of the process.

All donation-related expenses are taken care of by DATRI, including:

• Medical tests and procedures
• Travel and accommodation
• Meals and local transportation
• Loss of wages, where applicable

A medical or sick leave certificate can also be provided for workplace documentation, if required. Many organizations support the cause and recognize blood stem cell donors for their life-saving contribution.

Donation is entirely voluntary, and donors do not receive financial compensation.

Blood stem cell donation is considered very safe, and donors are carefully monitored throughout the process.

A comprehensive medical evaluation, including infectious disease screening and overall health assessment, is conducted before donation. The process proceeds only after medical clearance from qualified doctors and transplant specialists, making serious complications extremely rare.

In the unlikely event of any donation-related medical complication, DATRI ensures that appropriate medical care, guidance, and support are provided.

The safety and well-being of donors remain DATRI’s highest priority.

Blood stem cell transplantation can help treat several life-threatening diseases, including:

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Thalassemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Certain immune deficiency disorders

For many patients, a matching donor offers the best chance of survival and recovery.

Yes. Blood stem cell transplantation is currently considered one of the best thalassemia treatment options in India for eligible patients.

A successful transplant can help thalassemia patients become free from lifelong blood transfusions and related complications. However, finding a matching blood stem cell donor remains one of the biggest challenges for many families.

DATRI blood stem cell donors registry works to improve donor availability for thalassemia patients across India by expanding the unrelated donor pool.

Finding a matching donor for patients depends on close HLA compatibility, which is inherited genetically.

Since India has tremendous genetic diversity, patients often require donors from similar ethnic backgrounds. This makes expanding the blood stem cell donor registry in India extremely important for improving transplant access and survival outcomes.

Healthy blood stem cells collected from a donor are infused into the patient’s bloodstream, similar to a blood transfusion.

These cells travel to the bone marrow and begin producing healthy blood cells, helping restore the patient’s immune and blood-forming system.

Yes. DATRI is connected to the global Search, Match & Connect network (formerly known as BMDW) through the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA). This allows transplant centres to search for matching donors not only within India but also across international donor registries worldwide.

The time required to identify a matching donor varies for each patient.

Some patients may find matches quickly, while others may require extensive searches across national and international registries due to rare HLA types.

In some cases, identifying a potential match may still not guarantee a transplant, as the final donation depends on donor availability, medical suitability, and consent at the time of transplant.

HLA types are inherited genetically, and patients are more likely to find matching donors from similar ethnic backgrounds. For example, a patient from a Tamil family may be more likely to find a match among donors with Tamil ancestry, while a patient from a Punjabi family may have a better chance of finding a match among donors with Punjabi ancestry. This is why India needs a large and diverse donor registry that represents all regions and communities, giving every patient a better chance of finding a lifesaving match.

Treating physicians or transplant centers can initiate a donor search through DATRI’s registry network.

DATRI works closely with transplant centers and international registries to help identify potential matching donors for patients in need.

No. Registries across the world follow strict confidentiality and privacy guidelines to protect both donors and patients.

DATRI maintains donor and patient confidentiality at all stages of the transplant journey and acts as the official coordinating body for communication related to the donation process.

Any communication, if permitted under applicable guidelines, follows registry protocols and timelines.

You can support DATRI by:

• Making a financial contribution
• Sponsoring donor registrations
• Organizing awareness drives
• Supporting fundraising initiatives
• Volunteering your time and skills
• Spreading awareness about blood stem cell donation in India

Every contribution helps bring hope to patients and families.

Yes. DATRI is registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, and eligible donations qualify for tax exemption benefits as per applicable laws.

Yes. Organizations, colleges, and community groups can support DATRI by hosting awareness sessions, donor registration drives, fundraising initiatives, and volunteer programs.

Such partnerships play an important role in expanding the donor registry and spreading awareness about blood stem cell donation in India.

Yes. Volunteers play an important role in supporting DATRI’s mission.

Individuals can contribute through awareness campaigns, donor drives, fundraising initiatives, social media advocacy, community outreach, and event support.

Hospitals, transplant centers, and healthcare professionals can partner with DATRI for donor searches, patient support, awareness initiatives, and collaborative programs related to blood stem cell transplantation.

Yes. DATRI is registered with the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) and collaborates with donor registries and transplant centres worldwide, enabling access to potential matching donors across the global registry network.