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How donation works?

During your lifetime, you can donate blood, stem cells, a kidney, or part of your liver to someone who shares your background and therefore might be a match. These donations save lives and increase the chance of recovery from cancer, blood disorders, severe blood loss after childbirth or an accident, kidney failure, and more.

How many people like you are looking for a donor?

People like you urgently need donors like you. At the moment, most registered donors are white. And the composition of your blood, organs and stem cells is largely determined by your genetic background. When someone with a different background receives blood, stem cells or an organ from a donor who is not a close match, the body is more likely to reject it. This happens because the body produces antibodies when there is no sufficient match between donor and patient.

This means, for example, that if you are a Dutch person with Surinamese, Antillean, Turkish, or Moroccan roots who needs blood, it is better to receive blood from a donor with a similar background. Because there is a shortage of donors, many patients with our roots cannot receive proper care. Fortunately, we can do something about that.

Find the answers to your questions here.

Giving blood

Blood donation takes place at Sanquin. While you are seated, a needle is inserted into your arm to collect the blood. After the donation, you are offered something to eat and drink to help you recover. This is free of charge. Men can donate up to 5 times a year, and women up to 3 times a year.

Click here to register as blood donor.

Why is giving blood necessary?

Giving stem cells

Stem cells are donated through Matchis. The likelihood that you will ever be called to donate is very small, which is why it is important that many people register as stem cell donors. If you are a match for someone, you are first invited to give consent, undergo a medical check and have a personal consultation. In 90% of cases, stem cells are collected from the blood. When stem cells need to be taken from the bone marrow, the procedure is done under general anesthesia.

Do you want to register as stem cell donor? Click here.

Why are stem cell donors needed?

Giving a kidney or part of your liver

A kidney or part of your liver is donated in a hospital setting. This is only possible if you are a strong match for the patient. The procedure involves surgery, followed by a recovery period of several weeks. Every step takes place in close consultation with the treating physician and under strict medical supervision.

Donating a kidney or part of your liver, explained in one minute