Organ Transport.

Organ transport concerns the movement of organs for transplantation. It is different from transporting a patient to an appointment or admission. Organ procurement organizations have responsibilities that include organ preservation and transportation.

When to start the conversation

Questions about a donor-organ movement should begin with the responsible procurement organization or transplant program. A patient awaiting transplant should follow their transplant team’s instructions about when and where to travel.

1. 01

   Identify the responsible organization

   Establish which transplant or procurement team is directing the movement.
2. 02

   Clarify the request

   Distinguish organ logistics from patient transportation when contacting a provider.
3. 03

   Use the designated channel

   Keep shipment instructions and sensitive information within the channels specified by the responsible team.

• Is the inquiry about organ logistics or patient transportation?
• Which organization is directing the movement?
• Who is authorized to coordinate the handoff?

Contact MEDICS to discuss a transportation request. The appropriate arrangement and availability must be confirmed for the individual trip. Keep patient and medical details out of general email.

General reference: HRSA: organ procurement organizations. Organ logistics are coordinated by the responsible procurement or transplant team.