What we do

The SABMR is responsible for coordinating the recruitment, testing and registering of bone marrow donors who volunteer to become part of a national database registry. It is also part of an international network of bone marrow registries in 67 countries, performing searches around the world to find suitable stem cell donors.

Specific activities include:

• Registering donors in the SABMR and maintaining up-to-date records.
• Conducting highly specialized search requests for all South Africa patients with terminal blood disorders.
• Coordinating the harvesting of stem cells.
• Making all local and international transport arrangements for donated stem cells.
• Follow up with donor and recipient, including counseling and support.

Figure 1 shows the key activities in the donor search process – highlighting the
complexities involved with finding suitable donors for critically-ill South African patients.