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Modify Lung Donor Data Collection

eye iconAt a glance

Background

In March 2023, lung allocation policy changed to follow a new framework called Continuous Distribution. Since Continuous Distribution was implemented, lung transplant programs are receiving more organ offers for donor lungs. To help with this increase in organ offers, the Lung Transplantation Committee is proposing adding additional donor information that should help lung programs when deciding whether to accept an organ.

Supporting media

Presentation

View presentation PDF link

Proposed changes

  • Add a field to collect donor peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)
  • Update donor data collection related to smoking history
    • Change cigarette use field to be more specific and document how often the donor smoked, rather than just pack years
    • Add fields to document vaping history and marijuana history
  • Modify the diagnostic test status field to allow an OPO to indicate if testing is complete, pending, or unable to be done
  • Add a field to collect acceptable donor predicted Total Lung Capacity (pTLC) range

Anticipated impact

  • What it's expected to do
    • Improve lung allocation efficiency
      • Provide transplant programs with more detailed information on donors
      • Help transplant programs review and make decisions on lung offers faster
    • Remove requirement for OPO staff to manually calculate pack years for cigarette smoking
  • What it won't do
    • Will not change how lung candidates are prioritized for organ offers

Terms to know

  • Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP): The highest level of pressure applied to the lungs during inhalation.
  • Predicted Total Lung Capacity (pTLC): The estimated maximum amount of air a person’s lungs can hold based on their height, sex, and age.

Click here to search the OPTN glossary

Read the full proposal (PDF)

Provide feedback

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Sarah Casalinova | 01/21/2025

The proposed changes to donor data collection represent a significant step forward in improving the efficiency and precision of lung allocation. By adding fields to collect more detailed and specific donor information, the proposal addresses several key aspects of donor evaluation and organ offer decision-making: enhanced data precision, comprehensive history documentation, streamlined processes and faster decision making. This proposal thoughtfully addresses challenges in the current system while maintaining a focus on improving outcomes for both donors and recipients. It balances the need for detailed data with practical improvements in workflow, ensuring that the changes enhance, rather than complicate, the process. By implementing these updates, the transplantation community can better meet the needs of lung candidates while maintaining fairness and efficiency. This proposal not only improves the efficiency and precision of lung allocation but also honors the donor's selfless gift by ensuring their donation is utilized to its fullest potential. By providing transplant programs with detailed and accurate information, these changes maximize the likelihood that every donor’s lungs are matched with the most suitable recipient. This level of care and consideration reflects the profound respect for the donor’s generosity and commitment to saving lives.