What is LAS? A new animation for patients explains the lung allocation score

A new patient-friendly animation explains how lung allocation scores (LAS) are calculated. If you are listed for a transplant, your lung transplant team will provide the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) information needed to calculate your score.

What does the LAS measure?

The lung allocation score is used to estimate a lung candidate’s medical urgency and expected post-transplant survival rate, relative to other patients on the waiting list for a lung transplant.

To calculate your LAS score, your medical team will enter a number of test results and facts about your medical condition into a computer. Examples include:

• Your age
• Measures of your kidney and heart function
• Whether you are on a ventilator
• How much oxygen you need at rest
• How far you can walk in six minutes

The form of lung disease you have is also considered. Each candidate is put into one of four lung diagnosis groups based on what kind of lung disease they have. Some diagnoses will add more priority to the other values.

A computer then calculates your individual LAS. The higher the number, the greater your priority for a transplant. Other candidates may have a higher or lower LAS number than you do. Your LAS may also change over time – it may go higher or lower, depending on your medical condition and most recent test results.

Watch the animation to learn more about the LAS and how it is used in lung allocation. The OPTN website also has an example of a LAS calculator tool that can help you estimate what your LAS might be.