 | ||||
|
|
|
How Donors Are SelectedFrom the day you join the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry you’re told, “You could be a match.” But what exactly is being matched? The short answer: HLA. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are proteins — or markers — found on most cells in your body. Your immune system uses these markers to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not. A close HLA match between patient and donor is the most important factor in selecting the best bone marrow donor for a patient. A close matchThere are many HLA markers, but matching only a small number of them is critical to a successful transplant.We test most donors for 6 HLA markers when they join the NMDP Registry. By testing for a basic level of HLA markers, we keep tissue typing costs low — we want to be able to add as many donors as possible to help all searching patients find a match. Next stepA patient’s doctor usually tries to select several potential donors who appear to match the patient at a basic level. The doctor then asks for additional testing to find a donor who matches the patient at a detailed level. (For more information, see When You're Contacted as a Possible Match.)Other factorsIf more than one potential donor is a good HLA match for a patient, doctors will also consider other factors, such as the donor’s age, gender and size.When you’re selectedTo learn what happens if you are selected as the best donor for a patient, see When You’re Asked to Donate for a Patient. |
|
 E-mail a Friend Print this Page    |
