Stem Cell Registry

The Stem Cell Registry has two main tasks. Firstly, it maintains a registry of healthy volunteer donor candidates from Finland and Estonia. Secondly, it is responsible for the supply chain of stem cell transplants collected from registry donors, from finding a suitable donor to delivering the stem cells to the recipient. The registry works closely with international stem cell registries and their cooperation organization (World Marrow Donor Association).

2 young people present joining specimen swabs

The results of stem cell transplantations are better the younger the donor is. Therefore, the Stem Cell Registry must continuously renew itself. In 2024, 3,770 new members joined the registry. The total number of registry members at the end of the year was 75,736. The members of the registry are committed to helping and are ready to donate their stem cells when needed.

The Stem Cell Registry delivered 160 transplants during the year, the highest annual number in the registry’s operational history. The reliability and operational capability of our registry are demonstrated by the significant increase in the number of transplants facilitated abroad in recent years. Finnish registry members acted as donors 66 times in 2024.

Grafts delivered by the Stem Cell Registry

There are various ways to collect stem cells from donors. Harvesting the cells from the donor's bloodstream is by far the most common method.

Grafts supplied, total202220232024
Bone marrow graft141617
Peripheral blood stem cell graft89126134
Cord blood graft010
Donor lymphocyte infusion10139
Total113156160

The Stem Cell Registry operates internationally. The Blood Service’s couriers bring in stem cell grafts also from abroad. In 2024, Blood Service couriers delivered grafts 67 times.

Location of the donor and the patient202220232024
From a Finnish donor to a patient in Finland233623
From a donor abroad to a patient in Finland587070
From a Finnish donor to a patient abroad233343