How is a suitably matched donor or cord blood unit found?
above for more about what HLA markers are.) Because you inherit half of your HLA markers from your mother and half from your father, each brother and sister who has the same parents as you has a 25% chance of matching you. It is very unlikely that extended family members will be a match for you. It is also unlikely that a friend or neighbor will match you. Your doctor can tell you more about who should be tested and how this can be done. If your friends and family members are willing to be donors for anyone, not just for you, they may be able to join the NMDP Registry.
