Oxford launches pilot to assess more donor kidneys for transplant

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 21:01 · Archive

Oxford University Hospitals has launched a pilot programme to assess donor kidneys that might otherwise be rejected for transplantation.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has launched a pilot programme at the Oxford Transplant Centre to assess donor kidneys that might otherwise be rejected for transplantation. The Oxford Assessment and Recovery Centre (ARC) forms part of a national network of pilot sites evaluating donated kidneys, lungs and livers.

Kidneys not accepted through the standard assessment process can be referred to ARC centres for further evaluation. At these centres, kidneys are connected to a machine that circulates oxygenated blood, preserving the organ while clinicians perform additional tests. This technology gives transplant specialists more time to assess kidney function and, if necessary, perform a biopsy before deciding if the organ can be safely transplanted.

Sanjay Sinha, consultant transplant surgeon and clinical director for transplantation at OUH, said the pilot 'gives us the opportunity to carry out additional testing and make more informed decisions about kidneys that might otherwise not be used'. He noted that every year, some donated kidneys are declined because there is not enough time to fully assess how well they are likely to function after transplantation.

OUH currently performs around 170 kidney transplants annually, serving patients from Oxfordshire and surrounding regions including Swindon, Gloucester, High Wycombe and Banbury. The approach is designed to increase the number of transplants by giving potentially transplantable kidneys a second chance.

How it is being reported

• Oxford joins world-first programme to increase organ transplantsOxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) has launched an NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) pilot at the Oxford Transplant Centre.Oxfordshire Guardian · 14 Nov, 20:00
• Oxford joins world-first programme to increase organ transplantsOxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) has launched an NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) pilot at the Oxford Transplant Centre.Oxford Mail · 14 Nov, 20:00

In this story: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NHS Blood and Transplant · Oxford Transplant Centre · Churchill Hospital · Sanjay Sinha

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