Become a Bone Marrow Donor

This form utilizes Javascript for some advanced features, however it seems you have Javascript disabled. You can complete this form without Javascript, but for the best experience, you should enable it. To enable Javascript in your browser please see this page.

Registering online is easy:

Read all the information carefully and follow any instructions.
Fill out the registration and declaration of consent form.
When you receive your Do-It-Yourself cheek swab kit in the mail, collect your sample and send it to the lab for tissue typing.

Registering one potential bone marrow donor costs DKMS $65. Because DKMS does not require new donors to pay the registration fee and does not receive government funding, DKMS must rely on donations from the general public to fund donor registrations. 100% of your financial contribution is used to register new potential donors. Every dollar counts!

Thank you for taking the first step toward saving the life of a patient in need.

1) Check if you are eligible:

Potential donors MUST:

Be between the ages of 18 and 55
Be in good general health
Weigh more than 110 lbs but not exceed a BMI 40 (click here for more info)
Not be HIV positive or have been diagnosed with AIDS
Not have had heart surgery or have heart disease
Not have autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia
Not have sleep apnea, breathing problems or severe asthma (daily inhalers are acceptable)
Not have diabetes requiring insulin (or injectible medication)
Not have hepatitis B or C
Not have kidney or liver disease
Not have had a stroke (including a TIA)
Not have chronic or severe neck or back problems
Not have had uncontrolled epilepsy and not have had any seizures in the past year
Not have a history of blood clotting or a bleeding disorder
Not have a personal history of cancer (melanoma, breast, bladder and cervical cancer [stage 0, in situ] and cured localized skin cancer [basal cell or squamous cell] are acceptable)

Click here for full details

2) Read about the donation process:

If you are found to be a match, there are two ways to donate. The method used for donation depends upon the patient's needs and is determined by the patient's doctor. You must be willing to donate using either donation method:

Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation
Cells are collected via the bloodstream. On the day of collection the donor’s blood is removed from one arm and passed through a machine that separates out the blood stem cells. The remaining blood is returned to the donor through the other arm.

Click here for full details.

Bone Marrow Donation
Marrow cells are collected from the backside of the pelvic bone (not the spine) using a special syringe. This is a 1-2 hour, outpatient, surgical procedure.

Click here for full details.

3) Read the requirements below, and check all that apply:

Age: *

I am between the ages of 18 and 55.

Health: *

I am in good general health and meet the medical eligibility guidelines.

Commitment: *

I am willing to donate to any patient in need and I understand my commitment and the two possible donation processes.

Residency: *

I live in the United States or Puerto Rico

New Donor: *

I am not already registered as a bone marrow donor. If you have previously provided a blood sample or cheek swab sample, you do not need to sign up again. If you are not sure whether you have already joined, you must contact the donor center you think you may have registered with. For a list of donor centers click here.

US Armed Forces: *

I am not an active member of the United States Armed Forces. If you are on active duty, please register with the Department of Defense at www.dodmarrow.org or call 1-800-MARROW-3 (1-800-627-7693).

Become a Bone Marrow Donor

1) Check if you are eligible:

2) Read about the donation process:

3) Read the requirements below, and check all that apply:

Footer links