Does testing for viruses and infectious diseases take place before organs and tissues are transplanted?
Yes. All organs and tissues being considered for transplant must undergo rigorous testing. This testing includes blood tests, a medical and social history and a physical examination. The reason that we have a test is to give the recipient the safest organs and tissues possible and to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Sometimes, even though the results of these tests are negative, the person can still have had some recent contact with the disease that is not yet showing up in his or her blood. Therefore, we also need to ask the family questions about personal and private activities such as lifestyle situations that are associated with the spread of these diseases.
