Please return your swab kit
You recently ordered a DKMS swab kit—thank you for taking the first step toward saving a life! Now, all that’s left is to complete your swabs and send them back to us.
It only takes 5 minutes, but it could mean a second chance at life for someone in desperate need of a stem cell match.
Why returning your swab kit matters
Your registration isn’t complete until we receive your swab kit. Each unreturned kit means £4.95 of our vital funds goes unused—resources that could help save lives. By sending yours back, you’re helping expand the stem cell register and giving hope to patients urgently searching for a match.
This small action could make a life-changing difference for someone facing blood cancer or a blood disorder.
How to swab
How to return your kit
Pack it
Once your swab kit is complete, place it inside the white freepost envelope included in your kit.
Post it
Drop the envelope into your nearest post box. The postage is already paid for — no extra effort is needed!
Frequently asked questions
Why must I swab to be registered?
Your swab helps us analyse your tissue type, which is essential for matching you with a patient in need of a stem cell transplant. Your data will be anonymised and securely stored in the DKMS database.
What happens after you receive my kit?
Once we receive your swabs you will get a welcome email from DKMS. We then send the swabs to our lab, it usually takes between 4-6 weeks for your swabs to be analysed and for you to go on the stem cell registry. Shortly after that, you will receive your digital donor card via email, confirming you are on the register.
How long does it take to get matched?
Matching timelines vary. You might be contacted within weeks — or it could take years. Even if you’re never matched, your willingness to help makes a huge difference.
What happens if I’m matched with a patient?
If you’re identified as a potential match, we’ll contact you to confirm your willingness to donate. We’ll guide you through all the necessary steps to ensure you’re fully informed and comfortable with the process.