Stem Cell Registry
The Blood Service maintains the Stem Cell Registry, which is used to find compatible stem cell donors for seriously ill patients. We are also responsible for the stem cell transplant supply chain, from finding a compatible blood donor to delivering the stem cells. The registry works in close cooperation with Stem Cell Registries around the world and their umbrella organisation (World Marrow Donor Association).
The results of stem cell transplants are generally better when the blood donors are young. Therefore, the Stem Cell Registry must be constantly renewed. In 2025, more than 5,000 new members joined the registry, in line with our target. At the end of the year, the total number of members in the registry reached a record high of 80,143. The members of the registry are highly committed to helping others and are ready to make donations when needed.
During the year, we arranged 179 grafts for patients, which is the highest annual number since the Stem Cell Registry began operating. The reliability and operational capacity of our registry is demonstrated by the fact that the number of grafts delivered abroad has grown rapidly in recent years.
The members of the registry made 77 blood donations. The Stem Cell Registry reached a milestone in 2025: more than a thousand members of the registry have made donations for patient care during its operation.
Grafts delivered by the Stem Cell Registry
Stem cells can be collected from blood donors in various ways. Collecting cells from the blood donor's bloodstream is the most common method.
| Grafts supplied, total | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone marrow graft | 16 | 17 | 7 |
| Peripheral blood stem cell graft | 126 | 134 | 158 |
| Cord blood graft | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Donor lymphocyte infusion | 13 | 9 | 13 |
| Total | 156 | 160 | 179 |
The Stem Cell Registry is part of an international network, and the Blood Service's own couriers also collect stem cell transplants for patients abroad. In 2025, the Blood Service's couriers made a total of 83 courier trips.
| Location of the donor and the patient | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| From a donor in the Finnish registry to a patient in Finland | 36 | 23 | 31 |
| From a foreign donor to a patient in Finland | 70 | 70 | 75 |
| From a donor in the Finnish registry to a patient abroad | 33 | 43 | 46 |