Korean J Transplant.  2023 Sep;37(3):145-154. 10.4285/kjt.23.0034.

Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 testing and organ procurement from deceased donors in the Republic of Korea

• Kim SH
• Wi YM
• Moon C
• Kang JM
• Kim M
• Kim J
• Jungok JM
• Seok H
• Shi HJ
• Lee SJ
• Lee JY
• Jeong SJ
• Choe PG
• Huh K
• Lee SO
• Kim SI
• TIRCotKSoID

• KMID: 2546472
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/kjt.23.0034

Abstract

We present a summary of the evidence on testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and organ procurement from deceased donors and provide recommendations based on current clinical data and the guidelines from major transplant organizations. Because of the limited historical experience with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), certain recommendations in this document are based on theoretical rationales rather than clinical data. The recommendations in this manuscript may be subject to revision as subsequent clinical studies provide definitive evidence regarding COVID-19 in organ procurement.

Keyword

COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Tissue and organ procurement; Organ transplantation; Tissue donors

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Schematic flowchart for the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 testing and organ procurement from a deceased donor. SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; PCR, polymerase chain reaction. a)If patients had a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) within 21‒90 days before transplantation, PCR positivity did not suggest virus viability. In this situation, lung and small bowel transplantation could be considered; b)Some guidelines suggest that all solid organ transplantation from a deceased donor with severe COVID-19 is contraindicated.

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