UNOS Takes Steps to Ensure Transplant Blood-Type Compatibility

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has adopted several new policies aimed at ensuring transplant donor-recipient blood type compatibility in the wake of the death of Jesica Santillan, who received a heart-lung transplant of an incompatible blood type in February (see Transplant Week story).

The UNOS board of directors, meeting in Scottsdale, AZ, said a special committee concluded that existing policies already in place designed to prevent transplantation of an organ of incompatible blood type should be amended to clarify the specific roles of organ procurement organizations and transplant centers.

Among the key new requirements:

• Blood type must be verified by at least two different staff members at both the host organ procurement organization (OPO) and the transplant hospital.
• Transplant programs must check donor blood type upon arrival of the organ and compare it directly to the potential recipient’s blood type.
• Transplant centers and OPOs must keep records of these verification procedures, which UNOS will examine during routine audits.
  

Other Sources: UNOS