Organ Recovery & Procurement Logistics Flashcards

Before accepting an organ for transport to a recipient center, which information must be verified?

Answer: ABO blood type compatibility, organ match data, and relevant donor history

ABO compatibility, UNOS match data (including HLA and crossmatch results), and donor medical history must all be confirmed before transport to ensure safe and appropriate allocation.

Which factor is most critical in procurement logistics planning for heart transplantation?

Answer: The heart's short total ischemia tolerance of 4–6 hours

The heart's narrow ischemia window of 4–6 hours drives all logistical decisions, including recipient selection and transport planning, more than any other single factor.

What is the purpose of the 'back-table' procedure following organ recovery?

Answer: Inspecting, trimming excess tissue, and preparing vascular attachments on the recovered organ before transplant

The back-table procedure prepares the recovered organ for implantation by trimming, inspecting for damage, and tailoring vascular structures to fit the recipient.

If an unexpected transport delay (e.g., flight cancellation) occurs during organ transport, what is the correct immediate response?

Answer: Notify the transplant center immediately, reassess cumulative ischemia time, and arrange alternative transport

Any delay requires immediate notification of the transplant center to reassess organ viability based on cumulative ischemia time and coordinate alternative transport options.

What is the primary function of the UNOS/OPTN match system in organ procurement logistics?

Answer: Allocating organs to waiting recipients based on medical criteria, waiting time, and geography

The UNOS/OPTN match system uses a combination of medical urgency, compatibility, waiting time, and geographic proximity to allocate organs equitably to recipients on the national waiting list.

When procuring multiple organs from a donor at a distant hospital, what logistical approach is essential to minimize ischemia times?

Answer: Simultaneously coordinating OR scheduling, flight arrangements, and recipient preparation across multiple transplant centers

Successful multi-organ distant procurement requires parallel coordination of operating room availability, transport scheduling, and recipient readiness across multiple centers to minimize total ischemia time.

What documentation is required when handing off an organ at the recipient transplant center?

Answer: Chain of custody records, organ-specific procurement data, and details about the preservation solution used

Handoff documentation must include chain of custody records, procurement timestamps, flush details, and preservation solution information to ensure the transplant team can make fully informed decisions about organ use.