COVID-19: Effect on Organ Donation and Transplantation

From the Document: The U S domestic response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses both short- and long-term concerns for the U S organ transplant system Organs are a limited resource, and their allocation is strictly regulated to try to ensure that no donated organs go unused A number of transplant centers have suspended their transplant programs due to COVID-19 In addition, individuals were inactivated from organ waitlists in large numbers due to COVID-19 precautions, and inactivation may occur again if states have to halt elective procedures due to COVID-19 surges Disruptions in the system may create long-term effects for both the allocation of organs and the viability of involved organizations, which are subject to federal outcome measures This Insight provides background information on the organ donation and transplantation system, summarizes action taken to respond to COVID-19 by the organ transplant community, and identifies potential issues for Congress COVID-19 (Disease);Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc ;Donation of organs, tissues, etc