How Are Transplanted Organs Matched?

Understanding how organs are matched to patients in need of a transplant can feel overwhelming at first. Whether you’re waiting for the gift of life yourself or supporting a loved one on the transplant list, knowing how the process works can provide clarity and peace of mind.

With over 100,000 people in the U.S. awaiting lifesaving organ transplants, the process of matching organs to patients is both complex and critical. Here’s everything you need to know about how organs are matched, the factors involved, and why organ donation is so important.

What is the process for matching organs to patients?

When a transplant hospital lists a patient as a candidate, their medical data is entered into the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) computer system. This system also stores information about organ donors, including medical and genetic details and the location of the donor hospital.

When an organ becomes available, the UNOS system generates a “match run,” or a list of potential recipients. This list is unbiased and based on medical and logistical factors, ensuring that the organ is offered to the patient who is the best match.

What factors determine who gets an organ?

Several factors are considered when matching organs to patients, including:

• Urgency: Patients in critical need of a transplant are prioritized.
• Compatibility: Blood type, organ size, and other medical factors must align.
• Geography: The distance between the donor and recipient is crucial, especially for organs like hearts and lungs that have a short window for transplantation.

It’s important to note that non-medical factors like income, insurance, or celebrity status play absolutely no role in determining who receives an organ.

How does geography impact organ allocation?

Geography plays a significant role in organ matching, particularly for organs that need to be transplanted quickly, such as hearts and lungs. For these organs, a radius is established around the donor hospital to prioritize local recipients.

If no suitable match is found locally, the search expands regionally and then nationally. This ensures that every effort is made to find the best possible recipient for each organ.

What medical factors are considered in organ matching?

Medical compatibility is essential for a successful transplant. Factors like blood type, weight, height, and overall health are carefully evaluated to ensure the organ is a good match for the recipient.

For example, children often respond better to child-sized organs, making size matching particularly important for pediatric patients.

What organs and tissues can be donated?

Organ donation isn’t limited to just hearts and kidneys. Here’s a list of organs and tissues that can be transplanted:

• Heart
• Liver
• Kidney
• Pancreas
• Lung
• Skin
• Intestine
• Cornea
• Middle ear
• Bone/ bone marrow
• Heart valves
• Connective tissue

Each donation has the potential to save or improve lives in profound ways.

What happens when an organ becomes available?

When an organ is donated, the local procurement agency contacts UNOS with the donor’s medical and genetic information. The UNOS system then generates a list of potential recipients based on the criteria mentioned earlier.

The organ is first offered to the transplant center with the best possible match. The transplant team evaluates the organ and decides whether to accept or decline it based on medical and logistical factors. If the organ is declined, it is offered to the next patient on the list.

Why is organ donation so important?

Organ donation saves lives, plain and simple. One registered organ donor can save up to nine lives and improve the quality of life for many more through tissue donation.

At the Ochsner Transplant Institute, we’ve performed over 9,500 organ transplants, giving patients a second chance at life. By choosing to become an organ donor, you can make a lasting impact and give the ultimate gift of life.

If you’re not already a registered organ donor, consider signing up today. It’s a simple step that could make a world of difference for someone in need.

Organ donation is a powerful act of kindness and generosity. Together, we can save lives and bring hope to thousands of families across the country.

A registered organ donor can save up to 9 lives.