Innovations and technology
Efficiently matching patients with organs for transplant
Accelerated policy implementation, optimized matching algorithms improve organ matching
The U.S. donation and transplant system is always evolving to be more efficient and equitable. These evolutions include the input of the entire donation and transplant community, including patients, and lead to new policies that make the system work better.
As the federal contractor that manages the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network’s lifesaving technology that matches patients with organs, it’s our responsibility at UNOS to implement these policy updates. Today, the median time it takes to implement new policies into the system has been cut in half since 2019, ensuring that advancements in organ transplant policy translate into real-world impact more swiftly.
We saw this firsthand with the launch and updates of Offer Filters and Continuous Distribution for Lung, both of which were major changes to UNOS’ technology that matches patients with organs for transplant. Both of these organ allocation updates focused on enhancing efficiency.
Our organ matching technology must not only streamline operations for transplant centers but also ensure that its matching algorithms reflect the most up-to-date knowledge and ethical standards. This has ultimately helped more organs be transplanted faster.
UNOS’ technology also supports the organ matching algorithm. Out of the more than 100,000 people on the waitlist, 86% are waiting for a kidney.
In 2024, UNOS achieved a significant milestone by being able to match a donated kidney with an eligible transplant candidate in less than 20 seconds. Other organs are being matched with patients in under 5 seconds. This efficiency is important in ensuring timely and equitable transplants.
UNOS’ technology is helping save lives through its ability to quickly and safely implement a new policy and match patients with organs.
UNOS insights and analysis on healthcare and transplant issues