Beyond the Diagnosis: PathWest in global mission to ‘find the match’

On Rare Disease Day (28 February), we reflect on the global effort to improve equity in diagnosis and treatment for those living with rare conditions.

In WA, this mission is powered by PathWest. An example is Department of Immunology at Fiona Stanley Hospital — providing life-saving stem cell tissue typing for patients facing rare blood diseases. Using high-resolution next generation DNA Sequencing PathWest scientists can identify the precise stem cell tissue matches required for successful bone marrow and organ transplants.

While clinical teams provide essential day-to-day care, PathWest scientists work behind the scenes to bridge the gap between a rare diagnosis and a second chance at life.

You too can play an important role in supporting patients needing bone marrow transplants:

• Join the Register: Help expand the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR). Diverse donors are urgently needed to ensure every patient can find their match.
• Check Eligibility: Most healthy individuals aged 18–35 can join the registry.
• Action at Lifeblood: Mention your interest during your next donation at any Australian Red Cross Lifeblood centre to provide a small additional blood sample for HLA typing.
• Simple Swab Option: You can also register via a simple cheek swab through the Strength to Give campaign.