Professionals

The success of the U.S. organ transplantation system requires the cooperation of many individuals along with highly sophisticated technology. Most of all, the success of the system depends on the selfless generosity of the organ donors and families who choose to enhance the lives of others through organ donation.

Currently, every transplant hospital program, organ procurement organization and transplant histocompatibility laboratory in the U.S. is an OPTN member. Membership means that their institution meets OPTN requirements and that they play an active role in forming the policies that govern the donation and transplant community.

OPTN computer system (UNetSM)

Resources by organ

By topic

  • Patient safety

    The Operations and Safety Committee (OSC) seeks to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of the organ donation and transplantation system. Learn more about patient safety.

  • Informing patients

    As indicated in the OPTN policy on patient notification, transplant hospitals should send the patient information letter along with their own patient notification letters.

  • Living donation

    The living donor committee develops policy and guidance related to donation and transplantation from living donors. Learn more about living donation.

  • Pediatric transplant

    As of December 8, 2020, OPTN bylaws require transplant candidates younger than age 18 to be listed at transplant programs that have been approved to have a pediatric component.

  • Organ transport

    OPTN policy requires that all OPOs and transplant centers use the external, internal and vessel labels that are distributed by the OPTN contractor when shipping or transporting organs outside the donor hospital.

  • Ethical considerations

    The living donor committee develops policy and guidance related to donation and transplantation from living donors. Learn more about living donation.

Preparing for a site visit

The OPTN evaluation plan provides guidance to OPTN member transplant centers, OPOs and histocompatibility labs on how UNOS, as the OPTN contractor, assesses member compliance with OPTN policies and bylaws. It is updated periodically to reflect the latest changes to policies and bylaws. Reviewing this information will help members stay up-to-date so they can revise their operational compliance procedures as needed.

Learn more about evaluation and monitoring

Other member evaluation resources

Date Last Reviewed: