How are organs distributed to patients waiting for organ transplants?
Every person waiting for an organ transplant is registered with UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing. UNOS manages the computerized network to match organ donors with waiting recipients. When a family gives permission for organ donation, medical information about the organ donor is input into a computer database that creates a match list of potential recipients. Matching is based solely upon medical criteria such as blood type, weight, size of the organ, length of time waiting for a transplant, and severity of the illness. Genetic (tissue) matching is also a key factor for kidney and pancreas transplants.
