ZKRD Operations

Search and Transplantation Service

The Search and Transplantation Services department oversees the entire process, from initial donor searches to stem cell transplantation. The team identifies suitable, unrelated stem cell donors and reliably communicates the results to national and international search units as well as transplant centers.

In addition, the department supports the preparation of stem cell donations and ensures compliance with all medical safety standards. It also coordinates the transport of stem cell products from peripheral blood or bone marrow, as well as donor lymphocytes – safely, on schedule, and with full quality assurance.

Through close collaboration and expert guidance, this team ensures a smooth and efficient process for all partners involved in donor searches and stem cell transplantation.

Finance and Billing Service

Early clarification with payers is a crucial first step in the donor search process, ensuring that searches for German patients can begin without delay.

The Finance and Billing department is responsible for handling the invoicing of all patient-related services with payers – from donor search and coordination to stem cell transplantation. This ensures a transparent, efficient, and reliable financial process throughout. Additional services, such as donor and product liability insurance, are also included.

The Customs Services team handles full customs clearance when necessary, ensuring that cross-border transport of stem cell products is carried out smoothly, on schedule, and in full compliance with legal regulations.

Information Technology

The IT Development team is responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and creating the German National Bone Marrow Donor Registry's (ZKRD) information and communication software. At the core of their work is the proprietary matching software OptiMatch®, recognized worldwide as a leading program for donor-recipient matching, offering top performance, flexibility, and reliability. This ensures efficient processes and optimal matching results for patients and transplant centers.

The IT Services team ensures the stable and secure operation of ZKRD’s entire IT environment. Their responsibilities include national and international data exchange, planning and development of IT infrastructure, and providing robust IT services. The team also handles IT support, serving as the central contact point for partners regarding ZKRD programs and interfaces, and assists internal staff with all technical issues related to hardware and software.

Quality Management

The Quality Management team at the ZKRD ensures that all processes meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Their focus is on both the quality of stem cell transplants and patient care services, as well as the comprehensive protection of donors.

The team ensures compliance with DIN EN ISO 9001 and, in collaboration with national and international partners, implements the standards of the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA). Additionally, Quality Management is responsible for the continuous development of the German standards for unrelated stem cell donation.

Human Resources

The Human Resources (HR) team at ZKRD is responsible for the complete organization and management of all employee-related administrative tasks, from hiring new staff to their departure. This ensures a smooth and efficient handling of all personnel processes.

Another key focus of the team is employee development. This includes streamlined recruitment procedures, support for trainees, and a structured continuing education and health management program. The goal is to foster employees over the long term, actively supporting their professional growth and well-being.

Office Management

The Office Management team at ZKRD serves as the central point of contact for medical institutions, private individuals, and organizations. The team coordinates and responds to all incoming inquiries via phone, email, and mail, ensuring fast and professional communication.

In addition, Office Management supports internal departments through efficient organization and administrative services. This includes appointment scheduling, internal coordination, and the structured forwarding of information. By handling these tasks, the team creates essential capacity for the specialized departments and contributes to smooth workflows across the entire organization.

Public Relations

The Public Relations (PR)  at ZKRD aims to present the entire process from donor search to transplantation in a clear, transparent, and accessible way. This ensures that patients, their families, medical institutions, and the general public receive reliable information at every step of the donor search process.

Key responsibilities include creating informational materials such as brochures and digital content for the website, as well as managing media relations. The PR team drafts press releases, responds to media inquiries, and serves as the primary contact for journalists.