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Stem cell donor registry activities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a field report by DKMS

Thilo Mengling1, Gabi Rall2, Stefanie N Bernas2

  • 1DKMS, Tübingen, Germany. mengling@dkms.de.

Bone Marrow Transplantation
|November 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted hematopoietic stem cell donation, reducing product delivery by 15%. Measures like Health and Availability Checks and cryopreservation ensured safety amid disruptions.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to global healthcare systems, including essential services like hematopoietic stem cell donation.
  • Patients requiring stem cell transplants faced potential disruptions in donor availability and product logistics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donation and transplantation activities.
  • To describe the adaptations and measures implemented by DKMS, a major international donor registry, to maintain operations and ensure safety during the crisis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of operational data from DKMS, focusing on stem cell collection (PBSC and bone marrow), donor management, transport, and recruitment.
  • Analysis of changes in processes, including Health and Availability Check (HAC) implementation, transport logistics, cryopreservation practices, and donor recruitment strategies.
  • Assessment of business continuity measures, including remote work policies for staff.

Main Results:

  • A 15% overall decline in stem cell products provided, with a notable decrease in bone marrow products.
  • Modified donor management processes, including the use of HAC instead of confirmatory typing, enhanced safety during lockdowns.
  • Development of new transport solutions and increased reliance on cryopreservation to overcome travel restrictions and logistical hurdles.
  • A 40% reduction in new donor recruitment due to the discontinuation of public offline recruitment efforts.

Conclusions:

  • The pandemic necessitated significant operational adjustments in hematopoietic stem cell donation, impacting collection volumes and donor recruitment.
  • Safety protocols were adapted, and innovative logistical solutions were implemented to ensure the continuity of stem cell provision.
  • Cryopreservation emerged as a critical tool for mitigating risks associated with transport and donor availability during the pandemic.

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