Histocompatibility testing guidelines for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using volunteer donors: report from The World Marrow Donor Association

The World Marrow Donor Association has formulated guidelines for establishi ng the extent and quality of histocompatibility testing for unrelated donor registries, umblical cord blood banks, and transplant centers involved in international exchange of hematopoietic stem cells for allogeneic transplan tation. The ability to identify unrelated stem cell donors in one country f or patients in another country requires cooperation and standardization in many areas. The adoption of guidelines for histocompatibility testing, such as those summarized in this report, will facilitate these opportunities an d rapidly provide accurately typed donors for patients in need.