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The Basics

What Is Stem Cell Donation?

Stem cells are found in bone marrow and blood, and can develop into all types of blood cells. A stem cell transplant can be life-saving for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other blood conditions, but it requires finding a compatible donor.

Compatibility is determined by Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) — markers inherited from your parents that vary significantly across different ethnic and geographic backgrounds. This means patients are most likely to find a compatible match within their own community. Indigenous peoples are currently significantly underrepresented on Canada's stem cell registry, meaning Indigenous patients face greater difficulty finding a match. Every Indigenous person who registers directly improves those odds.

Registration is free, non-surgical, and takes about 2 minutes. A kit arrives by mail. You complete a cheek swab and send it back. That's it.

Take Action

How to Register

Registering with Canadian Blood Services is free, non-invasive, and takes about 2 minutes online. Here's how:

Visit blood.ca

Go to blood.ca and navigate to the stem cell donation section to begin your eligibility check.

Check Eligibility

Complete a short online questionnaire. Most healthy adults aged 17–35 are eligible to register.

Receive Your Kit

A sample collection kit is mailed to your home, free of charge, within a few days.

Swab & Mail

Complete a simple cheek swab and mail the sample back in the pre-paid envelope provided.

You're Registered

Your HLA type is added to the registry. If you're ever a match for a patient, Canadian Blood Services will contact you.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to register?

Most healthy adults between the ages of 17 and 35 are eligible to join the stem cell registry. You should be in good general health and willing to donate to any patient who needs you. Some medical conditions may affect eligibility. Visit blood.ca to complete a quick eligibility check.

Does it cost anything to register or donate?

No. Registration is completely free. Canadian Blood Services covers the cost of the sample kit, postage, testing, and if you're ever called to donate, all travel and expenses related to the donation process. There is no cost to you at any stage.

What happens if I'm identified as a match?

Canadian Blood Services will contact you. You'll go through additional health checks to confirm compatibility and ensure you're healthy enough to donate. You are never obligated to donate, but if you choose to proceed, you'll be guided through the entire process with full support.

Is bone marrow donation surgical?

Most stem cell donations today (about 90%) use peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation, a non-surgical process where stem cells are collected from the bloodstream, similar to donating plasma. Bone marrow donation is a surgical procedure done under anesthesia and is less commonly required. The type of donation needed is determined by what's best for the patient.

Why is it especially important for Indigenous people to register?

Stem cell compatibility is determined by HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) type — markers inherited from your parents that vary significantly across ethnic and geographic populations. Indigenous peoples are currently underrepresented on Canada's registry, meaning Indigenous patients face much greater difficulty finding a compatible match. Every Indigenous person who registers directly increases the chances that an Indigenous patient will find their life-saving match.

Can I remove myself from the registry?

Yes. You can withdraw from the registry at any time (except in the rare case where a patient is already in preparation for your donation, where withdrawal would put their life at risk). You remain in control throughout the process.

What if I'm older than 35?

The registry actively recruits registrants aged 17–35 because research shows younger donors produce better outcomes for patients. However, you can still spread the word, share this campaign, support the initiative in other ways, or encourage younger family members and community members to register.

What Is Stem Cell Donation?

How to Register

Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian Blood Services

Register Today