Anthony Nolan Trust finds new donors by spit!

[squirrellypoo]

I've heard about this spit trial for a while, but now the Anthony Nolan Trust (the UK's bone marrow charity) are collecting samples from potential donors by a simple spit test. The process is now entirely done by post, so people don't have to take time off work to get blood drawn at the GP's surgery, so this is great news!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/10394111.stm

I'm running a 10k race next Sunday for Anthony Nolan (see the link in my signature if you'd like to donate) and I just got my race jersey yesterday. I'm so proud to be able to paint "one year post transplant" on my back!!

Maybe I should spit all along the route to raise awareness.

[Laura]

Wow, that is great.

In the U.S. you just use a swab and swab your cheek and mail that in to get your DNA sample.

GOod luck with the race and I think you should spit along the race

Laura

[Neil Cuadra]

Originally Posted by squirrellypoo

I've heard about this spit trial for a while, but now the Anthony Nolan Trust (the UK's bone marrow charity) are collecting samples from potential donors by a simple spit test. The process is now entirely done by post, so people don't have to take time off work to get blood drawn at the GP's surgery, so this is great news!

That certainly is a great idea. By making it so easy and convenient they'll encourage more people to join.

Handy links:

• Anthony Nolan saliva test description
• Sign up for an application pack

Americans can do the equivalent by ordering a cheek swab kit from the National Marrow Donor Program.