How do I enroll in the Registry?

Each registration can make a difference

To enroll in the Registry, you must be:

• Between 18 and 35 years old.

  • The younger the donors, the better the chances of a successful transplant. Once registered, however, you are eligible to donate until age 60.
• In good health.
  • Your health and the health of recipients is our priority. For this reason, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for donation. An evaluation will be carried out following your registration.
• Ready to donate stem cells to anyone who needs them.

Here’s how to enroll in the Registry:

Step 1

Being well informed is a key part of your decision. For more information, please consult the Decision Support Information to Enrol in the Stem Cell Donor Registry Guide or contact us by phone at 1-800-565-MOEL (6635), ext. 5279, or by email at stemcell.registry@hema-quebec.qc.ca. We’re here to answer your questions! We also have a FAQ section to answer any concerns you may have along the way.

Step 2

It’s time to register! Complete the registration form.

Step 3

After completing the online form, Héma-Québec will mail you a buccal swab kit, which you will receive approximately four weeks after your registration. All you need to do is swab your mouth using the instructions and materials provided, then return the kit to us.

Step 4

A laboratory will analyze your sample to determine your genetic profile. Afterwards, your data will be kept in our completely confidential Register in order to verify if you’re a match for someone waiting for a transplant.

After registration

First of all, thank you for enrolling in the Stem Cell Donor Registry! You may be a unique and precious match to someone seriously ill, here in Québec or elsewhere in the world, who has been waiting a long time.

The call of a lifetime

Now that you’re registered, you could be called by Héma-Québec to make a stem cell donation. That call could change two lives forever: yours, and the person waiting for a transplant. Of course, if you are compatible with someone registered with Héma-Québec, we’ll verify that you still wish to donate stem cells. However, you should know that you may never get that call, or it may happen in 20 years, or at any time up until your 60th birthday!

The gift of a lifetime

If you are still interested in making this selfless donation, we will request blood samples to confirm your compatibility. Once all factors have been considered and you are indeed a match, you’ll be asked to give the gift of life, literally!