At the MTC we produce FMTs using donor stool from healthy individuals. Our donors are screened in accordance with national guidelines.
Donors are recruited following a stringent screening process that involves an extensive medical history and lifestyle assessment and microbiological screening for pathogens in blood and faeces. This screening process ensures that we are producing FMTs of the highest standard.
Our donors are reimbursed for their time, we appreciate the commitment shown by our donors, their participation and involvement throughout the recruitment process and donation period. £100 in vouchers of their choice are issued upon a successful two working week (Monday-Friday) donation period.
If you are interested in finding out more about our Donor Recruitment and Screening program, we would love to hear from you. To register your interest or for further information please email us on microbiometreatmentcentre@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What do you do with donated faeces?
Donated stool samples are mixed with saline and blended to make them smooth and liquid and any large particles are filtered out. The filtered faeces is then stored frozen until it is needed. When a patient requires a faecal transplant, the frozen filtered faeces defrosted and put into a syringe. The transplant is then put into the patient’s stomach via a tube down their nose or into their colon via colonoscopy or an enema.
Will I get paid for donation?
Yes, you will receive up to a maximum of £100 in a gift card of your choice at the end of a successful 10 day donation period. You are reimbursed to the value of £10 for each day you donate.
What I have to have blood tests?
Yes. Your blood will be tested for blood borne viruses, hepatitis A and E and syphilis. A sample of faeces will also be tested for enteric pathogens.
How will you protect my anonymity?
All your screening tests samples and donations will be labelled with your donor code and never your name. You will have to answer a health questionnaire and to speak to a member of the UoBMTC clinical team about your general health, but this will be kept completely confidential – just like it would be with your own GP.
What exactly do you mean by “regular morning bowel habits” and why does it matter?
We need the donations to be collected and processed on the same day. This means you will need to produce a donation and get it to us between 08:00-09:30 each day. Donations are normally done every day for ten consecutive working days (Monday-Friday).
What would exclude me from donating?
You cannot donate if you:
- Are over 50 years of age or under 18
- Are under or overweight (You must have a BMI ≤18.5 and ≥25). You can check your BMI here.
- Are a smoker
- Have stools outside the 2-5 types on the Bristol stool scale. There are also a range of other diseases, conditions and high risk activities which could exclude you from donation and these would be assessed at your initial donor heath check with the UoB MTC clinical team before any tests are done or donations are made.
Practically, how would I collect the donation?
You will be provided with a wide necked plastic honey jar for each donation. It is designed to take a whole stool and most donors find it convenient to pass stool directly into this pot. Stool could be passed into an alternative clean container and transferred into the honey jar.
Does it matter what I eat when I’m donating?
You would be expected to eat your normal diet during the donation period. Eating plenty of fibre and fruit and vegetables, as well as drinking plenty of water during the donation week may make regular donation easier.
What if something unexpected comes up in my screening tests?
If anything unexpected comes up on your screening tests you will be informed about it confidentially by a member of FMT medical team and will have the opportunity to discuss the result with them.
How long will my samples and information about my samples be stored?
Retention samples of FMT manufactured from your donations and information regarding your samples will be stored for 25 years.
What are the benefits of donating?
Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a novel way of rebuilding healthy gut bacteria intestinal flora and is highly effective in treating a gastrointestinal infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridioides difficile. The incidence of other gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis is increasing. It is reported that the occurrence and development of ulcerative colitis is closely related to imbalance of gut bacteria. By donating your stool samples we will be able to further understand through clinical trials and/or treat other gastrointestinal disease that are linked to an imbalance of gut bacteria.
What if I want to stop donating?
You can stop donating at any time with no questions asked. It is entirely voluntary. Any FMTs that have not be administered to patients manufactured from your donations will be destroyed. However, retention samples and data relating to any FMTs manufactured from your donations that have been used to treat patients will be kept for the relevant period.
What if I have any further questions?
Please contact the UoB MTC office, located at:
IBR West Link
Level 2
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
West Midlands
B15 2TT
0121 414 4547
