WMDA Scientific Publications and Recommendations by subject

General Organisation of a Registry

WMDA StandardResponsible PillarTitle and link to documentExplanationStatus
1.03Global DevelopmentGlobal Trends Report of WMDAAnnual publication presenting the unrelated stem cell donor activity on a global scale.Current (2024)
1.06Global Development

Donor Centre Audit

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2022) 57:466–472

Guidelines on how to review a donor centre including a checklistCurrent (2024)
1.06, 1.07, 1.08Global Development

WMDA Guidance for Addition of New Affiliated Entity to a Registry

Publication of WMDA Guidance for Cross-border Organisations

Guidelines to incorporate a new affiliated entity (e.g. DC, CBB, TC, CC, commercial courier) base on the level of risk for the registry and for other WMDA members and take steps to reduce o eliminate that risk.

Guidelines for organisations that have affiliated donor or patient management entities located in a country different from the country where the parent organisations resides. Recommendations for applying or renewing WMDA Certification/Qualification/Accreditation

Current (2024)

2.10

2.10.1

Global Development

WMDA Quality Manual


Notification and request for information regarding problems between registries

A template for a quality manual for registries and cord blood banks.


A template for registry to registry problem management communication. Notification and request for information regarding a problem arising


Under review (2024)


Current (2020)

2.10.2

Global Development

World marrow donor association crisis response, business continuity, and disaster recovery guidelines.

Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (2012) 18: 1785-1789

This paper covers the minimal requirements of preparedness in prevention and mitigation, crisis response, business continuity, and disaster recovery, and the need for continued maintenance and revision. Issues of international cooperation are addressed as well.

Visit as well the following webpage: https://share.wmda.info/x/dQAOEw

Current (2020)
Related donorsDonor Care

Family donor care management: principles and recommendations

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2010) 45: 1269-1273

This publication encourages increased collaboration between those caring for related and unrelated donors. It recommends that related donor care build on the extensive work which has already been undertaken in the unrelated donor field to homogenize care.Current (2021)
Related donorsDonor Care

Related hematopoietic cell donor care: is there a role for unrelated donor registries?

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2015) 50: 637-641
Paper outlining ways to enhance and homogenise related donor care and registries can play a role in counselling related donors and in collecting their hematopoietic stem cells.Current (2018)
Donor engagement / Cell and Gene TherapyDonor Care Resources for Registries on Donor Engagement in CGT

This resource kit is a collection of advice and materials on how to run discussion groups with donors from your registries. It has been designed to explore the broad theme of cell and gene therapy (including working with external organisations, sourcing starting material from donors, cryopreservation, etc.), and touches on a range of key topics that are of interest to us as a wider community. 

Current (2024)
1.07Global Development

WMDA Criteria and Process for Transplant Center Evaluation

CONDITIONS for EVALUATION

A Transplant Center does not need to be evaluated for WMDA Search & Match Service access if the following apply:

  • TC is currently affiliated/has a written agreement with a registry qualified or accredited by WMDA
  • TC is currently accredited by FACT-JACIE

The WMDA criteria may be used by a registry to evaluate a TC under one or more of the following situations: 

  • TC is located in a country without a registry
  • TC is located in a country with a registry that does not have its own criteria for evaluating transplant centers
  • TC is not affiliated with a registry qualified or accredited by WMDA
  • TC is not evaluated according to WMDA Standard 1.07.1

MATERIALS FOR WMDA CRITERIA and EVALUATION OF TRANSPLANT CENTERS

Current (2024) 


Recruitment and evaluation of volunteer donors

WMDA StandardResponsible PillarTitle and link to documentExplanationStatus
2.08QualityKey Performance Indicators for Registries

WMDA has defined five Key Performance Indicators (KPI) that represent the key activities of stem cell donor registries.

These key performance indicators are calculated annually from the WMDA Global Trends Report data.

Current (2024)
3.02Global Development

Qualifications and training of adult stem cell donor recruiters: recommendations by the World Marrow Donor Association

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2013) 48: 1480150

This paper provides recommendations regarding qualifications and training of recruiters. Online recruitment is not described in this paper.Under review -Donor Recruitment & Donor Retention Committee
3.03, 3.04, 3.09, 6.07, 6.07.1, 3.24, 10.11, 10.13Donor Care

Donor safety: the role of the WMDA in ensuring the safety of volunteer unrelated donors: clinical and ethical considerations.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2010) 45: 832-838

This paper provides information about the donor care standards of the WMDA. The paper was published in 2010, the wording of the WMDA Standards have changed over time.Current (2021)

3.13

4.09

Donor Care

Unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donors as research subjects

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2011), 46: 10-13

Discusses various implications of participation of unrelated stem cell donors in research protocols.Current (2017)

3.22

3.22.1

Donor Care

Unrelated adult stem cell donor medical suitability: recommendations from the World Marrow Donor Association Clinical Working Group Committee.

Bone Marrow Transplantation 49:880-886

Guidance for assessing the medical suitability for adult volunteer donors

The paper provides a background to unrelated adult donor and recipient safety, recommends a common framework for assessing the health of unrelated adult donors at each stage of the donation pathway and presents a novel mechanism for sharing international consensus criteria for individual medical and lifestyle conditions.

The second publication reflects the consensus opinion provided by the WMDA donor medical suitability committee. The purpose of this guidance is to provide globally harmonised medical assessment criteria which simultaneously protect the interest of donors whilst ensuring the safety of cellular products across international boundaries.

The links in the article do not work anymore, find here the updated links: https://share.wmda.info/x/FABtEQ

Current (2021)


Consent / Cell and Gene Therapy

Donor Care

Consent Journey for Cell and Gene therapy (CGT) Donors

The Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) committee has created guidance documentation (incl. template) on donor consent for the donation of cells for purposes other than traditional HSCT donation. This guidance aims to provide registry members with the tools to address consent and the sharing of research information in the right manner, at the right time, and in the right format. This document can be adapted to local regulations. 

2023 WMDA Cellular Therapy Committee - Consent Working Group Output.pdf

Current (2024)


Donor search request

WMDA StandardResponsible PillarTitle and link to documentExplanationStatus

2.07

Global DevelopmentRecruitment, training, and ongoing educational requirements for donor registry search coordinatorsRecommendations by WMDA accredited registries on education of registry staff. Survey was performed in 2009.Current (2024)
7.01Donor Care

WMDA Guidelines for subsequent donations following initial BM or PBSCs

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2011) 46: 1409-1412

This guideline is intended to outline where subsequent donations would routinely be considered appropriate (from the donor's point-of-view), as well as the frequency and timing of such donations. The background is outdated, the recommendations are current, the data are outdated and the survey information is outdated.

Current (2024)

3.03, 3.06, 6.06Donor Care

Donor commitment and patient needs

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2004) 33: 225-230

This paper describes ethical issues related to the donation of hematopoietic stem cell products with respect to recruitment, evaluation, workup, and follow-up of unrelated donors.Current (2021)

Global DevelopmentWMDA FormsForms for each step in the search process; WMDA forms will not be updated till the infrastructure of WMDA connect has been implemented. The goal is to generate the forms automatically through HTML code instead of fillable PDFs.Current (2020)

Donor Care

Addressing Ethical and Procedural Principles for Unrelated Allogeneic Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Donation in a Changing Medical Environment

In this paper, ethical and procedural principles in the context of HPC donation and requests for nonstandard donations are further clarified based on examples from daily practice. The goal is twofold: to provide guidance on applying ethical principles and to create a basis for awareness and understanding for the position of HPC adult volunteer donors and the organizations providing HPCs from these donors in the dynamic field of allogeneic HSCT, by posing questions.Current (2021)


Collection and transportation

WMDA StandardResponsible PillarTitle and link to documentExplanationStatus

8.05

Donor Care

Recommendation for recombinant human G-CSF (G-CSF) that stem cell registries can use - the use of biosimilar G-CSF

WMDA recommendation on the use of biosimilar filgrastims.Current (2018)
8.05Donor Care

Current use of biosimilar G-CSF for haematopoietic stem cell mobilisation


Bone Marrow Transplantation (2019): 54, 858-866
WMDA recommends that stem cell donor registries can use filgrastim biosimilars for the mobilisation of peripheral blood progenitor cells in healthy donors, provided that they are approved by national and/or regional agencies.Current (2019)
3.03Donor Care

Remuneration of hematopoietic stem cell donors: principles and perspective of the World Marrow Donor Association.

Blood (2010) 117: 21-25

This paper describes the reasons that the WMDA continues to believe that donors should not be paid due to ethical concerns raised by remuneration, potential to damage the public will to act altruistically, the potential for coercion and exploitation of donors, increased risk to patients, harm to local transplantation programs and international stem cell exchange, and the possibility of benefiting some patients while disadvantaging others.Current (2024)
1.08Quality

Audits of collection and apheresis centers: guidelines by the World Marrow Donor Association Working Group Quality and Regulation

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2018) 54: 244–257

This paper describes the general requirements and recommendations for collaboration with the collection and apheresis centers and defines critical procedures for the collection of the stem cell product, such as the information session, medical assessment, product collection, quality controls, product handover for transportation, and donor follow-up. The specific guidelines are accompanied by detailed checklists and forms that can be found in Supplementary Information and may be used during an initial or follow-up on-site or paper-based audit.

Current (2024)
8.07.1Quality

Introduction and Importance of a Globally Unique Identity and Labelling Format (ISBT-128)

Attachment A

Attachment B

Currently being updated to accommodate GRID, this position paper encourages the benefit and criticality of a globally unique numbering system, WMDA recognizes the ISBT 128 labelling standard as one that supports full traceability of cellular therapy products from the donor to the patient bedside and the flexibility to protect confidential information as defined by current and future international regulations. Under review
8.08Quality

World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) Guidelines for Couriers and the Transportation of Heamatopoietic Progenitor Cells (HPC-BM, Apheresis and Therapeutic Cells- T Cells)

The paper describes recommendations for couriers and the transportation of haematopoietic progenitor cells.Under review (2024)
8.08QualityValidation of Product Transportation ContainersThis report provides WMDA guidelines for validation of transport containers used for the distribution of HSC productsCurrent (2018)
SPEAR CommunicationDonor Care 

 2023/02 SPEAR Communication: Labelling Errors

The SPEAR committee has received reports of adverse events related to mis-labelling. One case resulted in infusion of the wrong product into a patient with a fatal outcome. Two cases related to re-labelling of products with ISBT labels. Mis-labelling adverse events can occur at all steps of the collection and processing pathway. The committee has issued a statement stressing the importance of correct labelling. Read it here: PDC.1301.COMM.Labelling Errors.pdf

Current (2024)
SPEAR CommunicationDonor Care

2023/08 SPEAR Communication: Preventing Unnecessary Donations

The impact of late cancellations on unnecessary donations was discussed with the SPEAR committee. A The critical component missing in the SPEAR cases discussed was closed loop communication. Therefore, the committee would like to highlight the importance of person-person communication to prevent unnecessary donation. The committee will continue to collaborate with the WMDA project group on back-up donors management and supports their soon to be published guidance. Read it here: PDC.1303.COMM.Unnecessary Donations.pdf

Current (2024)
SPEAR CommunicationDonor Care

2024/04 SPEAR Communication: HPC Products Missing in Transport


The SPEAR Committee received multiple reports of serious incidents involving product loss during transport. Two items were recovered, another was not. To prevent such similar incidents in the future, the SPEAR Committee publishes recommendations on best practices, emphasizing the need for thorough training, the importance of constant visual product control, and an assessment of the courier's readiness for traveling, including their capability for handling complicated journeys, in alignment with WMDA Standards and Transport Guidelines. Additional guidance on, but not limited to, non-air travel management is endorsed by the committee. Read it here: PDC.1305.COMM.HPC Products Missing in Transport.pdf


Current (2024)


Post-donation

WMDA StandardResponsible PillarTitle and link to documentExplanationStatus

9.03, 9.04

Donor Care

Safety of Living Donation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Transplantation (2016) 100: 1329-1331

This paper describes a decade of detailed examination of adverse donor events.Current (2024)
9.03, 9.04, 5.04.1Donor Care

Inadvertent completely HLA-mismatched allogeneic unrelated bone marrow transplant: lessons learned.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2016) 51: 1016-1018

This paper describes a serious adverse event in which a patient was transplanted with stem cells from an incorrect donor due in large part to the inappropriate use of a supposedly unique donor identifier.Current (2024)
 Donor Care 

Serious Stem Cell Donation Events and Recipient Adverse Reactions Related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: Review of Reports to the World Marrow Donor Association

Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (2023) Volume 29, Issue 8, August 2023, Pages 522.e1-522.e5

This paper provides insight into SARS-CoV-2-related adverse events to the WMDA-operated Serious Product Events and Adverse Reactions (SPEAR) database. The Committee reviewed each report following the European Union definitions of a serious adverse event or reaction and determined the imputability and its impact. Reports submitted in 2020 were included in this analysis.Current (2024)
 Donor Care 

Genetic Findings of Potential Donor Origin following Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Recommendations on Donor Disclosure and Genetic Testing from the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA)

Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (2023), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtct.2023.11.019

Provides recommendations and a framework to aid in registry decision-making when genetic mutations of potential donor origin are identified. This includes guidance on pre-donation consenting, post-donation testing of recipients and informing and managing donors when findings of potential donor origin are identified in recipients post-transplantation, aimed at protecting the health, rights, and wellbeing of the donor.Current (2024)
SPEAR CommunicationDonor Care

2023/02 SPEAR Communication: Near-Miss Donation From Donor With HIV

The SPEAR committee received a report of a case which could have led to HIV transmission: a donor tested negative for HIV but was found to be positive on the day of donation. Based on this case, the committee provides recommendations to help protect donor and patient safety. Read it here: PDC.1302.COMM.Near-Miss Donation From Donor With HIV.pdf

 

Current (2024)
SPEAR CommunicationDonor Care

2023/08 SPEAR Communication: Subdural Haemorrhage Post-Donation

The SPEAR Committee received various reports of subdural haemorrhage (SDH) in unrelated PBSC donors since the beginning of 2021. The cause of this condition in these donors and the relation to donation is not clear, however the committee feels it is good to share a summary of these events and some of the things that are worth considering regarding donor care. Read it here: PDC.1304.COMM.Subdural Haemorrhage.pdf


Current (2024)

Cord blood banking

WMDA StandardResponsible PillarTitle and link to documentExplanationStatus

4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06

Global DevelopmentCombined Private and Public Cord Blood Banking and Other Related Products

Guiding principles for cord blood banks that operate a public and private inventory

Current (2019)
4.03Global Development

WMDA Policy Statement on the Utility of Autologous or Family Cord Blood Unit Storage

WMDA policy statement on private cord blood bankingCurrent (2019)
4.02Global Development

Family-directed Umbilical Cord Blood Banking

Haematologica (2001) 96: 1700-1707

Educational paper about the distinction of different types of cord blood banking.Current (2017)
4.26Global DevelopmentRecommendation for use of cord blood samples by cord blood banks and transplant centresDiscussion for cord blood banks on how to handle reservation requests for attached segmentsUnder review (2018)

Information technology and data management

WMDA StandardResponsible PillarTitle and link to documentExplanationStatus

GDPR

Search, Match & Connect

Recommendation on Data Minimisation

Data minimisation is a fundamental principle in data protection and privacy law, emphasising the collection and processing of only the essential data required for a specific purpose. This principle aims to mitigate risks associated with data breaches and misuse by ensuring that unnecessary personal data is neither gathered nor retained.
The data minimisation principle is prescribed by various regulations, all expressing that personal data must be "adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed" (e.g., Article 5(1)(c) of the GDPR, Article 4(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, the minimum necessary rule of HIPAA, and as best practice in the NIST SP 800-122 guide to protecting the confidentiality of personal identifiable information (PII)).
Current (2024)

5.05, 5.10, 5.24, 5.25

Search, Match & Connect

Recommendation on Data Retention and Destruction

This recommendation sets out guidelines for retaining personal data, specifying how long different types of data should be kept and under what circumstances they should be deleted. It also outlines measures to ensure personal data is stored securely during its retention period, such as specifying the type of encryption or access controls that need to be implemented. This is a high-level overview as the member’s policy should be drafted taking into account each one's national legal/regulatory requirements.
In addition to retention guidelines, this recommendation provides guidance on data destruction methods, such as shredding or secure deletion using software tools. It also specifies the frequency and circumstances for data destruction.
Current (2024)

5.04.1

Search, Match & Connect

Global Registration Identifier for Donors (GRID) of Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Road to Automation and Safety

Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy (2017), 44: 407-413

An educational paper to explain why GRID is implemented on a global scale.Current (2024)
5.04.1Search, Match & ConnectGRID: Moving to Unique Donor IdentifierA public webpage with educational materials to implement GRID in a registry.Current (2024)
5.02Search, Match & Connect

World Marrow Donor Association guidelines for the reporting of novel HLA alleles

Jan A. HofmannWerner BochtlerJames RobinsonJürgen SauterMedhat AskarLucie HoudovaMark MelchersAlexander H. SchmidtEric SpieringsChristine UrbanAlicia VenterMartin MaiersSteven G. E. MarshHans-Peter Eberhard

HLA: Immune Response Genetics (2023) DOI:10.1111/tan.15048

The guidelines for the implementation and reporting of HLA nomenclature for the World Marrow Donor Association have served as a reliable standard for communication of HLA data in the hematopoietic cell transplantation process. Wider use of next-generation sequencing made a special provision of the guidelines increasingly pertinent: how to communicate novel HLA alleles. Current (2024)
5.02Search, Match & Connect

An update to the HLA Nomenclature Guidelines of the World Marrow Donor Association, 2012

Bochtler W, Maiers M, Bakker JN, Baier DM, Hofmann JA, Pingel J, Rist HG, Oudshoorn M, Marsh SG, Müller CR, Hurley CK; Information Technology Working Group of the World Marrow Donor Association.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2013) 48: 1387-1388

An update of the paper published in 2007. The update became necessary after the major revision of the WHO HLA nomenclature in April 2010. It now covers issues arising when alleles are withdrawn or renamed because of the continuous updating of the WHO HLA nomenclature. In addition, formal validation and interpretation rules for the so-called ‘multiple allele codes’ have been added.Current (2024)

5.15.2

5.16

Search, Match & ConnectGRID Implementation Plan - TemplateThis document provide a template developed by the GRID Task Force how to implement GRID in a registryCurrent (2024)

5.15.2

5.16

Search, Match & ConnectGlobal Registration Identifier for Donors: ION database and GRID rules

The purpose of this document is to provide:

  • specifications for the structure of the Global Registration Identifier for Donors (GRID) and the Issuing Organization Number (ION) ;
  • information on how to obtain and update an ION ; and,
  • rules on the use of the GRID .
Current (2024)

5.15.2

5.16

Search, Match & Connect

ISBT 128 Standard for Coding Medical Products of Human Origin

The purpose of this document is to provide standards and guidance for the coding and labelling of medical products of human origin (MPHO) : blood, cellular therapy , tissue s, regenerated tissue, milk, fecal microbiota, topical products of human origin, in vivo diagnostic MPHO, and organs for transplant , as well as those plasma derivatives for which ABO is relevantCurrent (2023)
5.17Search, Match & Connect

World Marrow Donor Association framework for the implementation of HLA matching programs in hematopoietic stem cell donor registries and cord blood banks.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2011) 46:338-343

This paper defines a comprehensive framework for HLA matching programs, which use intricate algorithms to rapidly select potential donors for a patient from a database and to present these donors in a prioritized list.Current (2023)

Search, Match & Connect

Information technology and the role of WMDA in promoting standards for international exchange of hematopoietic stem cell donors and products.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2010) 45: 839-842

Overview paper of the activities in the area of information technology, described in 2010.

  • Standardized reference data sets for validation and plausibility controls for HLA and other data domains
  • Matching algorithm standards for determining histocompatibility
  • Communication standards between registries.
Current (2023)
5.02Search, Match & Connect

A comparative reference study for the validation of HLA-matching algorithms in the search for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell donors and cord blood units.

HLA Immune Responds Genetic (2016) 87: 439-448

A comparison of matching algorithms used different registries.Under review

Publications in partnership with other professional societies

WMDA StandardResponsible PillarTitle and link to documentExplanationStatus

Donor Care

Suitability of haematopoietic cell donors: updated consensus recommendations from the WBMT standing committee on donor issues - The Lancet Haematology)

The Lancet (2022) DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3026(22)00184-3

The contribution of related donors to the globally rising number of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) remains increasingly important, particularly because of the growing use of haploidentical HSCT. Compared with the strict recommendations on the suitability for unrelated donors, criteria for related donors allow for more discretion and vary between centres. In 2015, the donor outcome committee of the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) proposed consensus recommendations of suitability criteria for paediatric and adult related donors. This Review provides updates and additions to these recommendations from a panel of experts with global representation, including the WBMT, the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation donor outcome committee, the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research donor health and safety committee, the US National Marrow Donor Program, and the World Marrow Donor Association, after review of the current literature and guidelines. Sections on the suitability of related donors who would not qualify as unrelated donors have been updated. Sections on communicable diseases, clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, paediatric aspects including psychological issues, and reporting on serious adverse events have been added. The intention of this Review is to support decision making, with the goal of minimising the medical risk to the donor and protecting the recipient from transmissible diseases.NA

FoundationPosition paper on Unproven Cell-Based Therapies: Current Global Status and Recommendations to the World Health Organization Direct-to-consumer marketing of unproven cell-based interventions has progressively become a global serious public health concern. Among cell therapeutics we can broadly distinguish immune cells (unmodified or gene modified natural killer T-cells) and stem cell-based interventions. Currently, there is a limited number of both immune and stem cell products with market authorization1 and the current state of scientific evidence does not justify the use of most cell-based interventions outside of well-designed, strictly supervised and regulated clinical research studies.NA
8.07Quality

Circular of Information for the Use of Cellular Therapy Products



The Circular of Information (Circular) for the Use of Cellular Therapy Products is intended to be an extension of the cellular therapy product label. It has been jointly prepared by the AABB Circular of Information for Cellular Therapy Products Task Force, which includes a collaborative group of multiple nongovernmental organizations that represent the cellular therapy field. The US Food and Drug Administration and the Health Resources and Service Administration also participated in the development and review process.

The Task Force intentionally limited its scope to only include minimally manipulated cellular therapy products such as peripheral blood progenitor cells, bone marrow, cord blood and leukocytes. The group recognizes there are multiple cellular therapy products that could not be adequately covered in the Circular. To accommodate this, the Circular includes multiple blank pages at the end of the document to allow for the addition of product or facility specific information.

(Current 2024)

Foundation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation activity worldwide in 2012 and a SWOT analysis of the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group including the global survey.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2016) 51: 778–785

Paper outlining the transplant activity from 2006 till 2012.NA

9.02

Donor Care

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell donation-standardized assessment of donor outcome data: a consensus statement from the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT).

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2012) 48: 220-225

Global consensus document to perform long-term follow up on donors asses the impact of novel agents given to donors.NA

3.22

3.22.3

Donor Care

Suitability Criteria for Adult Related Donors: A Consensus Statement from the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Standing Committee on Donor Issues.

Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (2015) 21: 2052-2060

Global consensus document with recommendations for donor workup and final clearance of family donors who would not be able to serve as unrelated donors because of their age or pre-existing diseases. This article covers different topics intending to support decision-making, with the goal of minimizing medical risk to the donor and protection of the recipient from transmissible diseases.NA

Quality

Definitions of histocompatibility typing terms

Blood (2011) 118: 180-183


Definitions of histocompatibility typing terms: Harmonization of Histocompatibility Typing Terms Working Group

Human Immunology (2011) 12: 1214-1216

The papers define terms for HLA typing resolution, HLA matching, and a format for reporting HLA assignments. In addition, definitions of verification typing and extended typing are provided.NA
4.02Global Development

Family-directed Umbilical Cord Blood Banking

Haematologica (2001) 96: 1700-1707

Educational paper about the distinction of different types of cord blood banking.NA

Global Development

"Worldwide Network for Blood & Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) special article, challenges facing emerging alternate donor registries”

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2019)

Paper outlining the challenges for emerging donor registrriesNA

Foundation Recommendations to Improve the Quality and Safety of Medical Products of Human Origin, as an outcome of the Forum 25 meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal in September 2019.
NA



Archived Publications

WMDA StandardTitle and link to documentExplanationStatus

2.07

Recommendation on the training of staff performing patient donor search and HLA matching activities

Responsibilities of registry search coordinators

Recommendations by WMDA accredited registries on education of registry staff. Survey was performed in 2009.Out of date

A gift for life (paper edition)This is the first print of the WMDA Handbook for registries; it has been replaced by an online edition (online WMDA Handbook).Out of date

A gift for life (paper edition, Spanish translation) - un regalo para la vida - WMDA manual para la donación de células madre sanguíneasThis is the first print of the WMDA Handbook for registries; it has been replaced by an online English edition (online WMDA Handbook).Out of date
10.11

Donor and liability of donor registries, donor centres and collection centres-recommendations

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2004), 33: 467-470

The paper outlines the ethical aspects of liability of involved parties and the need for insurance coverage.

The article has shortcoming with the respect to legal advices.

Out of date

3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.09, 3.10.1, 3.11, 3.11.1, 3.13, 3.15

Informed consent--suggested procedures for informed consent for unrelated haematopoietic stem cell donors at various stages of recruitment, donor evaluation, and donor workup.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 31: 539-545

This is a checklist on informed consent at the various stages. The paper has been replaced by the WMDA guidance to explain the WMDA Standards. The guidance can be found at:https://share.wmda.info/x/0wB7CwOut of date

3.20

4.16

A special report: histocompatibility testing guidelines for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using volunteer donors.

Histocompatibility testing guidelines for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using volunteer donors: report from The World Marrow Donor Association


A special report: histocompatibility testing guidelines for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using volunteer donors

This publication is now outdated. It provided recommendations on the HLA typing of donors.

Out of date


Standards, regulations  and accreditation for registries involved in the worldwide exchange of hematopoietic stem cell donors and products.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2010), 45:819-824

WMDA has developed online documentation to explain the accreditation process, which is available at WMDA Share under the pillar: 'Ensuring Quality'Out of date

International exchange of cord blood units; the registry aspects

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2010), 45: 825-831

Replaced by chapter 6 of the WMDA Handbook: A Gift of LifeOut of date
1.03

Monitoring the international use of unrelated donors for transplantation: the WMDA annual reports.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2010) 45: 811-818

This report describes the trends throughout the 12 years that data have been collected and the results of the WMDA Annual Reports 2008, summarizing the activity as of 1 January 2009.

The paper is updated annually by the Global Trends Report, see following link: https://share.wmda.info/x/whhcAQ


8.05

Concerns about the use of biosimilar granulocyte colony-stimulating factors for the mobilisation of stem cells in normal donors: position of World Marrow Donor Association.

Haematologica (2011): 96:942-943

The aim of this paper is to review the basis of regulatory approval of the biosimilar G-CSF agents, including the available safety data, with reference to the indication for mobilization of PBSC in normal donors and to make recommendations based on these.

The recommendation was updated in 2017.

Out of date

3.22

3.22.2

A review of the genetic and long-term effects of G-CSF injections in healthy donors: a reassuring lack of evidence for the development of haematological malignancies

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2015) 50: 334-340

This paper is an update from the statement issued by WMDA in 2007. On the basis of an assessment of a continuing lack of evidence for an increased risk of malignancy in donors receiving G-CSF, the WMDA has re-issued an updated statement.

The recommendation was updated in 2017.

Out of date

3.22

3.22.2

Haematopoietic stem cell donor registries: World Marrow Donor Association recommendations for evaluation of donor health.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2008) 42: 9-14

This document describes criteria for permanent or temporary deferral, guidelines for risk evaluation of infectious disease, examples of conditions requiring assessment and questionnaires designed to elicit relevant information about a donor's medical history and general health.

The paper was updated in 2014.

Out of date

World Marrow Donor Association: international standards for unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donor registries

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2004) 34: 103-110

A paper describing the first publication of the WMDA Standards, the current version of the WMDA Standards can be found at: https://www.wmda.info/professionals/quality-and-accreditation/wmda-standards/Out of date

Overview of registries, HLA typing and diversity, and search algorithms

Tissue Antigens (2007) 69: 3-5

This paper is an inventory of the registries HLA typing methods and quality control used to evaluate the accuracy of typing results.Out of date
5.02

World Marrow Donor Association guidelines for use of HLA nomenclature and its validation in the data exchange among hematopoietic stem cell donor registries and cord blood banks. Bochtler W, Maiers M, Oudshoorn M, Marsh SG, Raffoux C, Mueller C, Hurley CK.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2007) 39:737-741

This paper was updated in 2012, find here the link to the updated publication: https://www.nature.com/articles/bmt201393Out of date

HLA dictionary 2004: summary of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1/3/4/5, -DQB1 alleles and their association with serologically defined HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, and -DQ antigens.

International Journal of Immunogenetics (2005) 32:19-69

The paper provides information on the serological equivalents for DNA typings. The paper was updated in 2009. It is recommended to visit the IMGT/HLA website for the most recent information.Out of date

The HLA Dictionary 2001: a summary of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1/3/4/5 and ‐DQB1 alleles and their association with serologically defined HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DR and ‐DQ antigens

European Journal of Immunogenetics (2001) 28: 565-596

The paper provides information on the serological equivalents of HLA alleles. The paper was updated in 2004. It is recommended to visit the IMGT/HLA website for the most recent information.



The HLA dictionary 1999: a summary of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1/3/4/5, -DQB1 alleles and their association with serologically defined HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, and -DQ antigens.

Human Immunology (1999) 11: 1157-1181

The paper provides information on the serological equivalents of HLA alleles. The paper was updated in 2001. It is recommended to visit the IMGT/HLA website for the most recent information.Out of date

The search for HLA-matched donors: a summary of HLA-A*, -B*, -DRB1/3/4/5* alleles and their association with serologically defined HLA-A, -B, -DR antigens.

Tissue Antigens (1997) 50: 401-418

The paper provides information on the serological equivalents of DNA typings. The paper has been updated in 2001. It is recommended to visit the IMGT/HLA website for the most recent information.Out of date

A special report: suggested procedures for international unrelated donor search from the donor registries and quality assurance working groups of the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA).

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2004) 34: 97-101

This paper described the procedures and responsibilities in the search for international unrelated donors. The paper has been replaced by the WMDA Handbook: A Gift for Life.Out of date

Haematopoietic Stem Cell Registries: WMDA definitions of a donor center (2004)This paper has been replaced by the paper: "Qualifications and training of adult stem cell donor recruiters"Out of date

Donor work-up and transport of bone marrow--recommendations and requirements for a standardized practice throughout the world from the Donor Registries and Quality Assurance Working Groups of the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA).

Bone Marrow Transplantation (1997) 20: 621–629

One of the first WMDA publications describing donor work-up. More current information can be found in the WMDA handbook.Out of date

A special report: bone marrow transplants using volunteer donors-- recommendations and requirements for a standardized practice throughout the world--1994 update. The WMDA Executive Committee

Blood (1994) 84: 2833-2389

This paper amplifies the previous publication and gives special attention to accreditation of national “hubs” (defined as coordinating centers for each country) and donor, harvest, and transplant centers, details of the marrow harvest procedure, use of peripheral blood (PB) stem cells for allografting, and use of PB lymphoid cells for treatment of leukemia relapsing after BMT.

Historical document where the WMDA Standards are presented.

Out of date

Bone marrow transplants using volunteer donors--recommendations and requirements for a standardized practice throughout the world. The Executive Committee of the World Marrow Donor Association.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (1992) 10: 287-291

Historical paper of WMDA, the first publication, outlining the hub concept.Out of date

Towards a global system of vigilance and surveillance in unrelated donors of haematopoietic progenitor cells for transplantation.

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2013) 48: 1506-1509

This paper describes WMDA's implementation of an international reporting system for serious adverse events and reactions. The way the SPEAR Committee operates has changed.Out of date