Your at-home swab kit: blood stem cell registry instructions

Learn how to do a cheek swab

When you receive your kit in the mail it will include all the instructions and items you need to complete your swab, label each sample, and mail it back to us. Everything— including return packaging and postage is provided to you for free.

Swab to save a life

Joining the NMDP Registry^SM starts with a simple yet powerful action: swabbing your cheek. From the comfort of your own home, you can be a part of the life-saving cure for people affected by more than 75 different blood cancers and diseases.

Complete your swab kit in five easy steps

Open your swab kit
Inside your kit, you’ll find two sterile cheek swabs, barcode labels, detailed instructions and a prepaid return envelope.
Prepare your swabs
Before collecting your sample, remove the swabs from their packaging. Wrap a barcode label around the handle (the end without the swab tip) of each swab to help us identify your samples.
Collect your cheek cells
Wash your hands thoroughly. Swab the inside of one cheek firmly for 10 seconds, then repeat on the other cheek with the second swab. Avoid eating or drinking 30 minutes before swabbing for accurate results.
Let swabs dry
Allow both swabs to air dry for 2 to 5 minutes to prevent moisture from affecting the sample.
Package and send back your kit
Place the dry swabs in the return packaging as shown in the instructions (swab tips pointing left, barcode facing up). Seal the prepaid envelope and drop it off at your nearest USPS mailbox or post office.

Not sure what the swab kit is? Start here.

If you landed here by mistake or don’t yet know how the swab kit fits into joining the donor registry, we’ll guide you through everything you need to get started. Learn how to join the NMDP Registry^SM.

Or join the registry today and receive your free swab kit.

Join today

Swab & donation resources

An NMDP swab kit
Replacement kits
If you need a replacement swab kit for any reason, request a new one by contacting us.
Request a new kit
Mariel, blood stem cell donor
The donation process
Learn more about donating peripheral blood stem cells and the impact you have as a donor.
The donation process
Mariel, blood stem cell donor, with her recipient, Nicole
After donating
Learn what to expect after donating blood stem cells or bone marrow and what the recovery process looks like.
What happens after donating