Frequently Asked Questions

1.   Will the patient know my identity?

HKBMDR maintains strict privacy protection to both donors and patients. Your identity will be represented by a registration number and we do not share your identifiable data such as name, HKID or contact information along the whole process of donation. Likewise, similar data of patients will not be disclosed

2.   Can I Say “No”?

You have the right to withdraw from the registry anytime. Nonetheless, you are highly advised to make the decision before an intended patient undergoing intensive chemotherapy for the transplant. This is because the intensive chemotherapy is going to put the patient’s life in danger.

3.   Who decides my donation method?

The transplant centre doctor taking care of the patient will prioritize the donation method to maximize the transplant outcome of the patient. However, you have the final right to choose the donation method which is not contraindicated to your health. HKBMDR healthcare staff will also provide advices on the donation method according to your health condition.

4.   Who pays for the donation?

HKBMDR will be responsible for the testing fee, injection fee and hospital costs related to the donation. All your out-of-pocket costs related to the donation will be reimbursed.

5.   Can I meet the patient after donation?

Every country has different policy about direct contact between donors and recipients. Within two years of donation, anonymous communication through HKBMDR between you and the patient residing in Hong Kong is possible. After two years, if both you and the recipient wish to meet each other, HKBMDR is able to arrange meeting after obtaining consents from both of you depending on the situation.

6.   Will there be any insurance coverage for my donation?

Donor is covered in the event of accident by insurance for one year following the donation— including medical expenses, disablement and death; but not occupation-related injuries. In case of adverse event related to donation, donor will be followed up by HKBMDR and Hospital Authority.

7.  What is the chance of finding a matched donor? How long will it take?

The chance of two unrelated people having identical tissue types is very low. For local Chinese, the chances can range from one in few to many thousands. The more donors recruited, the greater the chance of finding a matched donor and the shorter the waiting time.

Chance of matched human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing

Same parents – 1/4 chance for each sibling

Common type – 1 in 5,000 to 10,000

Rare type – less than 100,000