Israel has a well‑established transplant programme covering both solid organs (kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas) and haematopoietic stem cells (bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells). The system operates within a national framework that coordinates donation, organ allocation and recipient care. For bone marrow transplantation, the emphasis is on treating blood cancers, genetic disorders and certain immune deficiencies. All procedures are carried out in specialised transplant centres that meet international standards.
Transplantation is a complex medical pathway. The decision to proceed with a transplant is always made by a patient’s own treating doctor, based on a thorough assessment of the individual’s medical history and current condition. The following sections outline key aspects of the transplant process in Israel.
For solid‑organ transplantation, blood type, tissue type (HLA) and cross‑match results determine compatibility. Organs are allocated through a centrally managed matching system that considers medical urgency, waiting time and immunological compatibility. Living donation is possible for kidney and liver segments, and donors undergo rigorous health screening to minimise risk.
Bone marrow matching relies on HLA typing, with a high degree of genetic variation making matched unrelated donors harder to find. Israel maintains a national bone‑marrow donor registry, and patients may also search international registries. For patients without a matched sibling or unrelated donor, alternative sources such as haploidentical (half‑matched) family donors or cord blood units are available. The choice of donor source is a medical decision made by the treating haematologist or transplant physician.
Potential bone‑marrow donors can register by providing a simple cheek swab sample. Registered donors are contacted only if they are identified as a potential match for a specific patient. The process is voluntary, and donors have the right to withdraw at any stage.
Israel operates a nationally regulated organ‑waiting list managed by a central body. Patients are listed after being evaluated by a transplant team and are assigned a score based on medical priority, time on the list and other clinical factors. The law allows for organ donation after brain‑stem death, and a specific legal definition of death is used to enable deceased‑donor transplantation.
A distinctive feature of Israeli law is the “donor‑priority” system. Individuals who have signed an organ donor card or whose immediate family members have donated receive priority on the waiting list if they themselves later require a transplant. This encourages voluntary donation and is separate from standard clinical urgency criteria. The law also prohibits commercial organ trading and applies strict penalties for violations.
For bone marrow, there is no waiting list per se; instead, a search for a suitable donor is initiated. The central registry coordinates searches and communications with international registries when needed. The legal framework around bone‑marrow donation emphasises informed consent, confidentiality and the right of donors to withdraw without penalty.
The transplant pathway begins with a referral from the patient’s primary doctor to a transplant centre. The patient then undergoes a comprehensive pre‑transplant evaluation, including blood tests, imaging, cardiac assessment and psychological review. A multidisciplinary team reviews the findings to decide whether transplantation is appropriate and to select the best timing.
Once a donor is identified and consent is obtained, the transplant is scheduled. For solid organs, the surgery takes place once the organ becomes available (deceased donor) or on a planned date (living donor). Bone‑marrow transplantation involves conditioning chemotherapy or radiation before the infusion of stem cells. The patient is closely monitored during and immediately after the procedure.
Hospital stays vary by organ type and the patient’s condition. During this time, infection control, nutritional support and management of side effects are standard. Discharge is planned when the patient is medically stable, with clear instructions for follow‑up care.
After a transplant, lifelong medical follow‑up is essential. Recipients of solid organs require immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection, and blood levels of these medications are monitored regularly. Infections, high blood pressure, diabetes and renal impairment are common long‑term concerns that need active management. Routine check‑ups include blood tests, imaging and specialist consultations according to a schedule set by the transplant centre.
Bone‑marrow transplant recipients face a different set of challenges. In the early months, there is a high risk of infection and graft‑versus‑host disease (GVHD), where donor immune cells attack the recipient’s tissues. Treatment for GVHD may involve additional immunosuppression. Long‑term follow‑up includes monitoring for chronic GVHD, late infections and secondary cancers. Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid live vaccines for a period, and report any new symptoms promptly.
Psychosocial support is also important. Many transplant centres offer access to social workers, psychologists and support groups. Rehabilitation and gradual return to normal activities are encouraged under medical guidance.
General information notice: This page provides an overview of transplantology in Israel for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Diagnosis, treatment decisions and transplant eligibility should be determined by a qualified doctor who is familiar with the patient’s full medical history and clinical condition.