How are organs distributed to patients waiting for a transplant?
Each patient waiting for a transplant is listed with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS.) This agency is responsible for ensuring that the donated organs are distributed equitably and fairly When a donor is identified, the donor’s blood type, tissue type, body weight and size are matched against the list of patients currently waiting for a transplant. In addition, the recipient’s severity of illness and time on the waiting list are factored into the matching process.
Each patient waiting for a transplant is listed with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). This agency is responsible for ensuring that donated organs are distributed equitably and fairly. When a donor is identified, the donor’s blood type, tissue type, body weight and size are matched against the list of patients currently waiting for a transplant. In addition, the recipient’s severity of illness and time on the waiting list are factored into the matching process.
