Allocation of cadaver donor kidneys in Australia.
The national allocation of kidneys in Australia is based on a combination of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching and equity factors designed to make transplantation accessible to as many patients as possible. A points system has been designed that deducts points for HLA mismatches but adds points for factors such as levels of HLA sensitization, waiting time on dialysis, and a loading for pediatric patients. Kidneys that do not reach the level of matching required for national allocation are transplanted in the donor state using both matching and waiting time criteria, which caters to minority groups with rare HLA types.
Tait
Brian D
BD
Victorian Transplantation and Immunogenetics Service, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville Victoria, Australia. bdtait@arcbs.redcross.org.au
Russ
Graeme R
GR
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D001315:Australia; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008913:Minority Groups; D009313:National Health Programs; D012041:Regional Medical Programs; D040841:Resource Allocation / Q000379:methods; D014019:Tissue Donors; D014850:Waiting Lists
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System