Variability in donation after cardiac death protocols: A national survey

Jennifer E. Fugate, Maria Stadtler, Alejandro A. Rabinstein, Eelco F.M. Wijdicks

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

As donation after cardiac death practices expand, the number of institutional policies is increasing. We contacted organ procurement organizations throughout the United States and requested protocols in hospitals in their donor service areas. Sixty-four protocols were obtained with representation from 16 different states. The terminology and recommended practices varied substantially. The methods for death determination were not specified in 28 (44%) protocols. Most adhered to a 2- to 5-min observation time between circulatory arrest and organ procurement, but 10 (16%) provided no information. This variability reveals a need to define a uniform standard in donation after cardiac death protocols and death determination practices.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)386-389
Number of pages4
JournalTransplantation
Volume91
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 27 2011

Keywords

  • DCD
  • Organ procurement
  • Protocol

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transplantation

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