FAQs

How do I get tested? Does it hurt?

The easiest way to get tested is to order test kit from Be The Match, the registry for the National Marrow Donor Program. It consists of swabbing your cheek and sending it back in. No needles.

Is there a fee to be tested?

If you get tested through Be The Match (www.marrow.org) it’s free for folks aged 18-44. If you’re 45-60 you can get tested but it costs $100. Apparently the 18-44 age range is the most desirable, which is why they offer free testing for that range only.

Can I be tested just to match Jila?

If you get tested for free through Be The Match, you must join the registry to potentially donate to anyone because it is a public registry. If you want to be tested just for Jila, you need to do a private test and it can be pretty expensive. I don’t know a lot about that process so I’d suggest asking your doctor. It’s called human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue typing.

How long does it take to find out if I’m a match? 

If you get tested through Be The Match, it usually takes 4-6 weeks.