Anatomy of a Stem Cell Drive: An Evidence-Based Approach to Stem Cell Drive Organization

Authors

  • Warren Fingrut University of British Columbia

Abstract

Many patients with blood diseases require a stem cell transplant from a genetically-matched donor. However, 70% of patients do not have a suitable match in their family. Canada’s stem cell donor database, OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, is used to match potential unrelated donors to patients in need, worldwide. Individuals age 17-35 can register online or at stem cell drives, where they provide consent and a tissue sample (cheek-swab). To the knowledge of this author, no published guidelines recommend a process for stem cell donor recruitment at drives. This article outlines an evidence-based approach to stem cell drive organization.

Author Biography

Warren Fingrut, University of British Columbia

Founder, UBC Stem Cell Club

VFMP Class of 2015

Additional Files

Published

2015-03-20