Officials from the Shanghai Stem Cell Donation Bank have revealed that between 10 and 20 percent of people who register with them pull out when asked to actually make a donation.

They said donating stem cells isn't dangerous or harmful and those who sign up with the bank should follow through with their offer to help people in need if asked.

Around 100 people with leukemia have been matched for transplant since the bank was established in 1992, but less than 40 have so far received the much needed surgery.

"We lose contact with some donors after they change address or phone numbers, and some refuse due to personal reasons like health problems and plans to have a baby," said Sun Hongying of the Shanghai Red Cross, which operates the bank. "Some are just afraid of possible damage to their own health."

Doctors say that stem cell donation is a tried and tested technique, and donors aren't in any danger and don't suffer any pain. They recover fully from the operation within a week. "They shouldn't let those patients down when a donation is their last chance," Sun added.

Officials have expressed concerns about schools and companies organizing groups to register with the stem cell bank.

"Since many donors sign up on the spur of the moment or are simply following others, they don't think the process through clearly," said Zhang Jin, another Red Cross official. "Since the bank has to pay 500 yuan for a blood check for every registered donor, we want all donors to stay in contact and promise to help if needed."

The city's stem cell bank is the biggest in the nation with some 43,000 registered donors.

(Shanghai Daily November 10, 2004)