Policies & Protocols

GRID

Global Registration Identifier for Donors

An essential matter of patient and donor safety

The World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) has approved and is requiring an updated global standard for donor identification be implemented by November 2019. The new standard is called the Global Registration Identifier for Donors (GRID).

All donor registries or donor centers that issue donor identification numbers (DID) must comply with the GRID standard by deadlines set forth by WMDA.

What is GRID?

The GRID standard is a 19-character identifier composed of three elements:

  • A 4-digit Issuing Organization Number (ION);
  • A 13-character Registration Donor Identifier (RDI) assigned by the issuing organization; and
  • A 2-digit checksum. The checksum is a calculated number that ensures the preceding 17 digits are accurate and not mistyped.

GRID image

What is the Purpose of GRID?

The purpose of GRID is to ensure the following:

  • A standard format used throughout the world to identify donors.
  • Each issued donor ID is globally unique.

Current Reality

Currently, donor IDs are issued in multiple, non-standard formats throughout the world. For example:

  • Some donor identifiers contain only numeric characters.
  • Some contain a combination of numeric and alphabetic characters.
  • Some contain punctuation symbols, such as hyphens, commas or asterisks (such as NMDP/Be The Match, which includes numeric characters and hyphens).

In addition, there is no control on the assigned IDs, therefore the possibility of duplicate donor IDs exists. If two donors are inadvertently assigned the same ID, the result could be infusing the wrong donor product into the waiting recipient.

GRID will replace the current situation by standardizing the donor ID format and ensuring donor IDs are unique around the world. This change is an important quality control measure to prevent errors and improve global communication and processes.

Next Steps

NMDP/Be The Match is launching an internal project to implement the GRID standard for donors from the Be The Match Registry.  

  • While our implementation project for GRID is in the early stages, it will encompass plans to add GRID to all applicable NMDP systems and processes, as well as assisting our Network in implementing GRID. 
  • We will follow and promote the GRID Standard as published by ICCBBA and additional implementation details as provided by WMDA. See this ICCBBA webpage for details. 
  • In time, NMDP will be requesting a single point-of-contact at your center with whom we can collaborate on these efforts. All Network partners that use our Donor ID will need to modify systems and processes to accept GRID, concurrent with implementation of the new standard.

Questions?

Questions can be directed to GRID@nmdp.org.

In addition, Bette Braem and Emma Jorstad will be available in person at Council Meeting in the Discovery Center. They will share GRID information and address questions from 1:30 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 11.