TAIWAN · BUDDHIST TZU CHI STEM CELLS CENTER
Become a stem cell donor in Taiwan
For people who live in Taiwan. Live somewhere else? Find your place.
If you live in Taiwan, you can join Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center from age 18 to 55. The Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center, Taiwan’s adult donor registry since October 1993, signs people up at blood-test events that need no appointment, or through an online form after which a Tzu Chi volunteer helps you register. 2 3 5 Checked .
| Place | Taiwan (台灣) 7 |
|---|---|
| Region | Eastern Asia, Asia |
| Population | About 23.3 million (2023) 6 |
| Registry | Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center, once known as Tzu Chi Marrow Donor Registry (TCMDR) 1–4 |
| Who can join | Ages 18 to 55Tzu Chi asks that you’re 18 to 55 (under 56), weigh at least 40 kg (women) or 45 kg (men) and have a BMI under 40, and that you give your home address and four other contacts. Tzu Chi’s joining information states no residence or nationality rule. 3 5 |
| How you sign up | Tzu Chi lists blood-test registration events in Taiwan on its website, at places such as Taipei Expo Park and the campus of National Yunlin University of Science and Technology; at an event you give your details, consent and a blood sample for HLA typing. 1 5 |
| Cost | Tzu Chi says donating stem cells costs the donor nothing, and asks you to get your family’s consent and support before you register. 3 5 |
| Checked | |
| Next check |
Stem cell registries are also called bone marrow registries.
Who runs the stem cell donor registry in Taiwan?
Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center signs up people who live in Taiwan. It is a nonprofit organization.
Taiwan’s Tzu Chi registry signs up people aged 18 to 55 at blood-test events. 5
How do I join in Taiwan?
Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center
Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center is a nonprofit organization.
18–55years old to join
- Who it’s for
- People who live in Taiwan, aged 18 to 55.
- Languages
- Chinese and English
Why this one first Taiwan’s stem cell donor registry: register at a blood-test event, or book online and a volunteer helps you finish (18–55).
Link checked Read the registry’s rules (opens in a new tab)
For patients and families
Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center
Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center is a nonprofit organization.
- Languages
- Chinese and English
Who can join in Taiwan?
Taiwan and the world’s donor search
Tzu Chi says it has recruited 498,521 donors since it began, and that in 2026, to Aug 31, 1,327 patients applied for matching and 199 received a transplant. 2
What happens after I join?
Questions about joining in Taiwan
Which registry do I join if I live in Taiwan?
Tzu Chi built Taiwan’s registry after a May 1993 law change ended the rule that marrow could be given only to close relatives; the Department of Health then asked Tzu Chi to set up and run the registry, which opened in October 1993. 2
Can I join if I’m not a citizen of Taiwan?
Tzu Chi asks that you’re 18 to 55 (under 56), weigh at least 40 kg (women) or 45 kg (men) and have a BMI under 40, and that you give your home address and four other contacts. Tzu Chi’s joining information states no residence or nationality rule. 5
How do I sign up in Taiwan: online, by kit or in person?
Tzu Chi lists blood-test registration events in Taiwan on its website, at places such as Taipei Expo Park and the campus of National Yunlin University of Science and Technology; at an event you give your details, consent and a blood sample for HLA typing. 1 5
Does it cost anything to join in Taiwan?
Tzu Chi says donating stem cells costs the donor nothing, and asks you to get your family’s consent and support before you register. 3 5
How old do you have to be to join Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center?
Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center signs up people aged 18 to 55. 3
Is Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center part of the international donor search?
Yes. Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center is a member of the World Marrow Donor Association.
About donating: Does it hurt?, How donation works and Recovery.
Registries
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center (慈濟骨髓幹細胞中心). 慈濟骨髓幹細胞中心 homepage.
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center. 關於我們 (About us).
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center. 我要捐贈 (I want to donate).
- Tzu Chi Foundation (慈濟基金會). 骨髓捐贈 - 慈濟基金會.
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center. For Donors (English).
Figures and lists
- UN DESA Population Division. World Population Prospects 2024: Total population by sex (CSV).
Other sources
- Unicode CLDR. By-Type Chart: Locale Display Names:Territories (Asia). Checked