New
The latest information known for minimizing the risk of donor-derived COVID-19 transmission while maximizing donor utilization
The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network has released a Summary of Evidence on SARS-CoV-2 donor evaluation and testing, as well as organ recovery from donors with a history of COVID-19.
The document was compiled by the OPTN Ad Hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee (DTAC) in collaboration with colleagues representing AST, ASTS, AOPO, HRSA, and the CDC. It contains information on the following:
- SARS-CoV-2 deceased donor evaluation and testing
- Recovery of organs from deceased donors with a history of resolved COVID-19
- Recovery of organs from deceased donors with active COVID-19
- SARS-CoV-2 living donor testing and other precautions to minimize the risk of donor-derived COVID-19
- Recovery of organs from living donors with a history of resolved COVID-19
DTAC will review the document quarterly.
Reminders
Public comment open: Provide your feedback
Now open until March 23. Read the policy proposals and papers, view proposal summaries, watch an educational video, and review presentations on the OPTN website. The OPTN committees value your input and consider all comments when developing final proposals to submit to the OPTN Board of Directors. Read more about the policy development process.
Requirements for COVID-19 testing data collection in DonorNet®
As of Jan. 27, DonorNet now requires users to report if COVID-19 testing was performed on the donor. Prior to sending electronic organ offers, OPO members must answer the question, “Was COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) testing performed on the donor?” The question was added to the donor record in April 2020 and appears under the “Infectious Diseases” tab in DonorNet. Read more about this change.
Resources
Updated daily: The latest data on organ donation and transplant in the U.S.: High-level data on transplants, deceased donors recovered, patients added to the waitlist and patients temporarily moved to inactive waitlist status.
COVID-19 FAQs, patient handouts, and more: American Society of Transplantation’s resources for transplant candidates and recipients include:
- Vaccine Information and FAQ
- Handouts: Home Monitoring for COVID-19 Exposure or Infection, Safer Living During COVID-19—Tips for Transplant Patients, and What Should I Do if I Have COVID-19?
- Information for Transplant Recipients and Candidates/Spanish version
COVID-19 infections among recent organ recipients: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Questions
For COVID-19 related policy and operational questions, email [email protected]
