UK’s NHSBT Expands Eligibility for Stem Cell Donors

October 08, 2024

The United Kingdom’s NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) recently expanded stem cell donor eligibility to include all women aged 17-40 years. Previously, the agency only accepted men aged 17-40 years and women in the same age range who are of Asian or Black heritage or another mixed ethnicity. According to NHSBT, the change reflects growing evidence that age, rather than sex, is a more significant factor in the health and efficacy of stem cells and that younger donors see better transplant outcomes.