What is paired and pooled donation?
The term ‘paired donation’ relates to circumstances where a donor and recipient are incompatible (or mismatched), either by blood group or by tissue type. It is possible that pairs can be matched to another couple in a similar situation, so that both people in need of a transplant receive a matched organ or part organ. Pooled donation is where more than two pairs of donors and recipients are involved in the swap. The HTA’s code of practice on the Donation of solid organs for transplantation gives more information on the procedures involved. The HTA regulates this type of donation, but NHSBT is the body responsible for the system that facilitates this type of donation. All cases of paired and pooled donation are referred to a HTA panel of Authority Members for decision.
