For most patients, our average time to identify a donor is 33 days. This time span may be shorter or longer depending on the patient's unique tissue typing. With improved HLA typing, a donor and recipient are considered a good match when HLA testing of related or unrelated donors reveal that at least five of six HLA antigens correspond. More advanced DNA typing methods have helped reduce the risk of incompatibility by providing more detailed information. Cook Children's has its own advanced stem cell and marrow processing facility where technologists are able to manipulate the cells to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Some patients are also candidates for a cord blood transplant, yet another source of cells.
One of the most recent developments in transplantation, this procedure involves the infusion of stem cells harvested from discarded umbilical cords after the birth of a newborn. Sometimes it's not necessary for a cord blood product to be fully HLA matched with the recipient, due to an advantageous characteristic of cord blood. Once transplanted, cord blood stem cells similarly work their way into the bone marrow spaces, restoring and strengthening the immune system and marrow function. Cord blood transplants have a uniqueness all their own, and as inventories of these cells continue to grown, patients will have a greater chance of locating a donor match. While the program is dedicated to applying the best transplant science available, the social and psychological needs of the patient and family are never lost.