High-risk organ donors may not be so high risk

Australian findings could result in increased transplant options for patients, says researcher
Dr Karen Waller
Dr Karen Waller (PhD).

Increased viral testing of potential organ donors at high risk of HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection could help expand the donor pool and cut transplant waiting lists, a landmark Australian study suggests.

The systematic review and meta-analysis, published in the MJA, also provide the first Australian-based estimates of the residual risk of infection in groups at increased risk but with negative viral test results.