Frequently Asked Questions

Donating stem cells is straightforward. 90% of donations use peripheral blood stem cell collection, a process that takes about 5 hours. For others, stem cells are collected from the hip bone under anaesthetic in a 45-minute procedure. Either way, it’s a small effort for such a big impact.

Peripheral blood stem cell donation is the most common method, used by 90% of stem cell donors. After taking medication to increase your stem cell count, you’ll be hooked up to a machine that collects stem cells from your bloodstream. The process takes about 5 hours, is generally safe, and involves minimal discomfort.

For the other 10% of donors, stem cells are collected directly from the hip bone under general anaesthetic. This method doesn’t require any pre-work and is a quick procedure lasting about 45 minutes. Doctors may recommend a method based on the patient’s needs, but you always have the final say.

The time it takes to donate stem cells depends on the method. Peripheral blood stem cell donation takes about 5 hours, while collecting stem cells from the hip bone under general anaesthetic is a 45-minute procedure.

Peripheral blood stem cell donation is the most common method, requiring about 5 hours hooked up to a machine that filters stem cells from your bloodstream. For stem cell collection from the hip, the procedure takes 45 minutes under anaesthetic, with recovery in a few hours. Both methods are straightforward, and most donors resume normal activities soon afterward.

Most people only donate stem cells once since being a match for more than one person is rare. In some cases, donors may be asked to donate again for the same patient, but this doesn’t happen often.

It’s unlikely you’ll need to donate stem cells more than once, as finding a match for a patient is very specific to their tissue type. Occasionally, a donor might be contacted to give more stem cells to the same person if needed for their recovery. Every donation is carefully planned to ensure it’s safe for the donor and beneficial for the patient.

Yes, stem cells grow back after donation! Your body starts regenerating them right away, and within 4-6 weeks, your stem cell levels are fully restored. You won’t notice any difference in this time, and there’s no long-term impact on your health.

After donating stem cells, your body immediately begins replacing what was donated. For peripheral blood stem cell donation, full regeneration takes about 4-6 weeks. If you donate from the hip bone, your bone marrow also recovers quickly. You won’t feel any changes while this happens, so you can focus on the amazing fact that you’ve helped save someone’s life!

Not everyone can donate stem cells. You need to be aged 18-35, in good health, meet certain weight requirements, and hold or be eligible for a Medicare card. This means donors must be Australian citizens or permanent residents. If you’re from overseas, you can join the stem cell registry in your home country.

To donate stem cells in Australia, you need to meet a few criteria. You must be aged 18-35, have a Medicare card (or be eligible for one), and be in good health. Some medical conditions, like cancer or heart disease, might mean you can’t donate.

If your home is overseas, don’t worry – you can still make a difference by signing up for the registry in your home country. Every registry helps patients around the world find the match they need.

Absolutely! People from the LGBTQIA+ community can donate stem cells in Australia. Your sexual orientation or gender identity doesn’t affect your eligibility. TLR actively encourages everyone from the LGBTQIA+ community to join the registry and become potential life savers. As long as you’re aged 18-35, in good health, and have (or can get) a Medicare card, you’re good to go.

TLR believes in inclusivity and values the importance of a diverse donor pool. People from the LGBTQIA+ community play a crucial role in helping patients find life-saving matches. Unlike blood donation where there are still some restrictions for gay and bisexual men, these do not apply when it comes to stem cell donation.

Joining the registry means you could make a life-changing difference for someone with blood cancer or another serious illness. The process is simple, and your participation is vital in ensuring every patient has the best chance of finding a match.

In Australia, you can join the stem cell registry if you’re aged 18-35. Other countries have different age ranges to join, like 16-30 in the UK, but once you’re on the registry, you can stay eligible to donate until the age of 60.

The joining age range in Australia is 18-35 because younger donors provide better outcomes for patients. However, once registered, you remain eligible to donate until you turn 60. Different countries set their own age limits to join—for example, in the UK, you can register between 16-30.

If you’re in Australia, healthy, and within the age range, it’s a great time to sign up and give hope to someone in need.

Yes, ethnicity matters for stem cell donation because patients are more likely to find a match within their own ethnic group. A diverse donor registry ensures patients from all backgrounds have a better chance of finding a life-saving stem cell donor.

Stem cell matching relies on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers, which are inherited and vary widely among different ethnic groups. Patients of diverse backgrounds often face challenges finding a suitable match because their HLA types are underrepresented in donor registries.

In Australia, over 85% of stem cell donations come from overseas due to a lack of local diversity. By joining the stem cell registry, particularly if you come from a minority background, you’re increasing the chances of finding a match for patients in need. A more diverse registry saves lives.

Giving stem cells isn’t the painful experience many people imagine. Most donations involve a process similar to a plasma donation, which may cause mild discomfort. For stem cells collected from the hip bone, you’ll be under general anaesthetic and won’t feel a thing during the procedure.

For peripheral blood stem cell donation, you’ll take medication for a few days to boost stem cells in your bloodstream. This might cause mild flu-like symptoms, but they disappear quickly. During the donation itself, you’ll be hooked up to a machine for about 5 hours—think of it like a long plasma donation.

For stem cells collected from the hip bone, the procedure is done under general anaesthetic, so there’s no pain during the collection. Some donors feel soreness in the area afterward, but it’s usually mild and fades within a few days. Most donors agree the process is worth it to help save a life.

You can register to donate stem cells in Australia through the TLR Foundation’s dedicated page on Stem Cell Donors Australia. Visit TLR Foundation’s Registration Page, fill out an online form, and a cheek swab kit will be sent to your home. Complete the swab and return it by mail to join the registry.

The TLR Foundation is proud to partner with Stem Cell Donors Australia to make registering as a stem cell donor simple. By signing up through the TLR Foundation’s dedicated page, you’re helping us track and amplify the impact we’re making together.

To join, you must be aged 18-35, in good health, and hold or be eligible for a Medicare card. After completing the cheek swab kit, you’ll be added to the registry and stay on it until age 60. Visit TLR Foundation’s Registration Page to start your life-saving journey today.

A match is all about tissue type, specifically something called human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers. These markers are inherited, so patients are more likely to match with someone from their own ethnic background. That’s why having a diverse group of donors is so important—it gives everyone a better chance of finding a life-saving match.

HLA markers are like a biological fingerprint that helps the body recognize stem cells as a match. For a transplant to work, the donor and recipient’s HLA markers need to line up as closely as possible to avoid rejection.

Because HLA markers are inherited, patients usually have the best chance of finding a match with someone from their own ethnic group. That’s why we need more people from all backgrounds to join the registry. You can make a real difference by signing up through the TLR Foundation’s Registration Page. It’s simple, and you could be the match someone’s been waiting for!

The risks are super minimal. For most people, donating stem cells means feeling a bit tired or achy for a few days, which goes away quickly. Whether donating through your bloodstream or from your hip, it’s a small thing to do when you think about the chance to save a life.

Peripheral blood stem cell donation involves taking medication to boost your stem cells, which might cause mild flu-like symptoms or aches for a few days. During the donation itself, you’re hooked up to a machine for a few hours -it’s pretty relaxing, and most people watch movies or listen to music.

For donations from the hip bone, you’re under general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, you might feel sore for a couple of days, like you’ve done a big workout.

The side effects are short-lived and minor, and most donors say it’s 100% worth it for the chance to save someone’s life. When you think about what’s at stake, it’s an easy decision.

Stem cell transplants are successful for many patients. Success rates vary depending on the condition being treated, but for some blood cancers, transplants can lead to long-term remission or even a cure. Advances in medicine continue to improve outcomes, giving patients a second chance at life.

Stem cell transplants are a critical treatment for blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma. Success depends on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the stage of their illness, and how closely the donor’s stem cells match.

For many patients, a transplant can offer years of remission or even a complete cure. With ongoing improvements in transplant methods and post-treatment care, survival rates continue to rise. When you register as a stem cell donor, you’re giving someone the best possible shot at recovery.

No, you won’t get paid to donate stem cells. Stem cell donation is a selfless act of kindness. While you won’t receive financial compensation, all medical costs are covered, and if you need to travel to a hospital, your travel, accommodation, and meal expenses will also be taken care of.

Stem cell donation is entirely voluntary, and donors aren’t paid for their time or effort. However, you won’t be out of pocket—everything from medical costs to travel, accommodation, and meals is fully covered if you need to travel to a hospital for your donation.

The focus is on making the process as easy as possible for you while ensuring patients have the best chance of finding a life-saving match. Many donors find the experience incredibly rewarding, knowing their decision has helped save someone’s life.