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Dear Colleagues,
Once again we have the opportunity to comment on OPTN/UNOS proposals. This time we need to consider the proposed changes to the OPTN kidney allocation system developed by the OPTN/UNOS Kidney Transplantation Committee. The proposed policy is number 1 on this page. I urge you to take a close look at the new policy and comment on it.
These changes are quite substantial and will have dramatic effects on the way kidneys are allocated, especially for high PRA transplant candidates. To help transplant professionals better understand the proposed changes, UNOS is offering a free Kidney Allocation Proposal Webinar on November 7, 2012 (2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. ET). Registration information can be found here. I encourage you to watch this webinar. If you cannot attend the live presentation, there are usually recordings available afterwards.
There are three aspects to this proposal that should be considered carefully. The first is the component that allocates A2 and A2B kidneys to eligible group B recipients. Please keep in mind that allocation to eligible group O recipients has also been previously included in some local variances and in the recently proposed kidney paired donor policies. The second is the proposed increased priority for transplants to very highly sensitized patients. The proposal expects no increase in the rate of turn-downs for positive crossmatches, although there is no requirement for donor DPB1 or DQA1 typing. Finally, I would urge you to consider that the proposal is expected to reduce the number of kidneys transplanted to recipients with "zero" mismatches.
To see my personal views about these particular issues, click here.
The ASHI National Clinical Affairs Committee and the Executive Board will be working together to write and submit an official ASHI response. This response will be shared with you when it is completed.
Again, please take a close look at the new policy and comment on it. There are additional proposals currently open for public comment, but they will have less impact on our laboratories. You are encouraged to read all of the proposals and comment on any of them. Remember, it is important for ASHI members to comment on these proposals individually because all comments, whether submitted by an individual or an organization, are counted equally.
The deadline for submission of comments is December 14, 2012.
Thank you for your continuing support of ASHI and its mission.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Pollack, PhD, D(ABHI)
President, ASHI | 
