in focus
OPOs and transplant hospitals collaborate to track organs in transit
New UNOS Organ Tracking Service has tracked 610 transplantable organs to 122 transplant hospitals across the nation.
In October 2020, UNOS Labs completed pilot testing devices from multiple manufacturers to perform a very unique task – tracking donor organs while in transit. During this testing phase, which involved coordinating with five OPOs and a private courier, 16 additional OPOs and transplant programs participated in focus groups to share their further perspectives on tracking solutions.
Those pilot learnings have led to an organ tracking solution involving the integration of the GEGO global tracking device with FlightAware, TransNetSM and UNetSM. UNOS Labs first beta-tested this integrated solution with 15 OPOs beginning in March 2021. After successful testing and following additional enhancements, UNOS Organ Tracking Service is now available nationally.
UNOS Organ Tracking Service has traced 610 transplantable organs to 122 transplant hospitals since the start of beta testing. The pilot was funded by Fresenius Medical Care Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness of kidney disease and transplantation as a lifesaving solution. Learn more about the other grant-funded projects the Fresenius Medical Care Foundation helped make possible.
Fresenius Medical Care Foundation is a separately operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit of Fresenius Medical Care North America
In focus
Over 5,000 organs tracked with UNOS Organ Tracking Service
26% of all OPOs are now utilizing the UNOS Organ Tracking Service to monitor organs in transit.
Kidney monitoring data shows 16% increase in transplant
Aimed at increasing equity, a report on new allocation policy shows increases in transplant among key populations.
Four decades of lifesaving work: the Organ Center turns 40
The F.M. Kirby Foundation Organ Center is celebrating its 40th year of continuous operation without any service interruptions
OUT tool now allows OPOs to see movement of organs across the country
Enhancements to OUT (Organ Utilization Tool) give insight into organ movement, timing of responses and use of provisional yes at each program.
