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Post mortem tissue donation in the Netherlands: a nationwide approach
H A van Leiden1, B Erkamp2, R van Eechoud2
1Dutch Transplant Foundation, Leiden, The Netherlands. r.vanleiden@transplantatiestichting.nl.
Cell and Tissue Banking
|July 2, 2020
Summary
The Dutch Transplant Foundation (NTS) coordinates efficient post mortem tissue donation in the Netherlands, procuring an average of 1918 donors annually. Efforts focus on improving donor recognition and consent to aid transplant waiting lists.
Area of Science:
- Organ transplantation
- Post mortem tissue donation
Background:
- The Dutch Transplant Foundation (NTS) is central to organizing post mortem tissue donation in the Netherlands.
- Collaboration exists between the NTS, hospitals, tissue banks, and procurement organizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the organization of post mortem tissue donation in the Netherlands.
- To report the average number of tissue donors procured between 2015-2019.
- To identify challenges in improving tissue donation numbers.
Main Methods:
- Potential donors are reported 24/7 to the NTS.
- Donor consent is obtained via the Donor Register and relatives.
- Donors undergo medical evaluation, and tissues are tested for virology and quality.
Main Results:
- An average of 1918 donors (112.1 donors per million population) were procured annually from 2015-2019.
- A uniform, nationwide approach ensures safe and efficient tissue donation.
- Tissues are released for transplantation or discarded based on test results and disease transmission assessment.
Conclusions:
- The Netherlands has a well-established system for post mortem tissue donation led by the NTS.
- Future efforts include enhancing donor recognition, registration, consent, and expanding donor selection criteria.
- The goal is to increase efficiency and help more patients on the transplant waiting list.
