The reference population used to calculate a donor’s kidney donor profile index (KDPI) has been updated, effective May 18, 2022. The reference table for converting raw estimate post-transplant survival (EPTS) to a percentage has also been updated effective May 18.
- The KDPI reference population now comprises all deceased kidney donors recovered for the purpose of transplantation in the U.S. in 2021.
- Donor population generally changes only slightly from year to year, so the impact of this update on the KDPI calculation is small.
- We update the KDPI reference population by June 1 of each year, as required by Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) policy.
- The EPTS reference population now comprises all adult kidney candidates on the waiting list on Dec. 31, 2021.
Updated KDPI calculator and EPTS calculator reference documents and guides are available on the OPTN website.
Background
The KDPI maps the kidney donor risk index (KDRI) onto a percentage scale, ranging from zero to 100 percent.
- Lower KDPI values are associated with donors of higher estimated quality, and higher KDPI values are associated with donors of lower estimated quality
- The KDPI helps transplant programs evaluate offers and make better, more informed decisions about which offers to accept
- Watch a patient-friendly animation on KPDI
The EPTS score is assigned to all adult kidney candidates on the waiting list and is based on several factors. A candidate’s EPTS score can range from zero to 100 percent.
- Candidates with EPTS scores of 20 percent or less will receive offers for kidneys from donors with similar KDPI scores before other candidates both inside and outside the 250 nautical mile allocation circle
- The EPTS score is not used in kidney allocation from donors with KDPI scores greater than 20 percent
- Watch a patient-friendly animation on EPTS
