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Updated: May 13, 2026
09:01
Intraportal Transplantation of Pancreatic Islets in Mouse Model
Published on: May 5, 2018
Hemoglobin A1c testing is associated with improved pancreas utilization for transplant
Maritza Torres-Quinones1, Jeffrey Stern, Nicholas Seals
1New York Organ Donor Network, NY, USA.
Progress in Transplantation (Aliso Viejo, Calif.)
|March 2, 2013
Summary
Implementing hemoglobin A1c testing significantly increased pancreas utilization rates. This vital test helps identify suitable donors, reducing pancreas discards and improving transplant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Organ donation
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Donor hyperglycemia, obesity, and diabetes are increasing, leading to pancreas allograft decline.
- Hemoglobin A1c testing measures average blood glucose over 2-3 months, identifying prolonged hyperglycemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare pancreas utilization rates before and after the introduction of hemoglobin A1c testing.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of New York Organ Donor Network data.
- Defined "ideal" and "expanded" criteria for potential pancreas donors.
- Calculated pancreas utilization rate as transplanted pancreata divided by potential donors.
Main Results:
- Pancreas utilization increased from 18-21% to 27-32% post-hemoglobin A1c implementation.
- Utilization of ideal donors rose from 33% to 51%; expanded donors from 11% to 17%.
- Overall pancreas utilization increased by 51.0%, with a 50.8% decrease in discards.
Conclusions:
- Hemoglobin A1c testing is a valuable tool for increasing pancreas allograft utilization.
- The test aids in identifying suitable pancreata from both ideal and expanded criteria donors.
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