How are Organs Transported for Transplantation in Chile? An Exploratory Study

To determine how organs are transported and the safety of the process in Chile. Little is said in the medical literature about how to transport organs for transplantation. Is it safe?

Exploratory study that characterizes the transport of organs in Chilean health centers in 2021. An interview was applied to selected groups, which were composed by expert health personnel in procurement and transplantation including nurses and surgeons. Seven semistructured interviews were conducted to deeply understand the organ packaging process, transportation, and advantages/disadvantages identified in these processes. Being an exploratory study, the sample was justified by the importance of the stories, details, and perceptions of each interviewee.

Seventy-one percent of the sample indicated that the organs are transported in polystyrene devices. One hundred percent of the respondents stated that to optimally preserve the organ, common ice is used. Eighty-six percent reported that "there is no record/monitoring of temperature," and 100% indicated that the quality of the receptacle does not keep the organ under the necessary care for its conservation and does not ensure, in the least, a safe transfer. The experts also indicated that according to figures from the Chilean Ministry of Health, in 2019, 5% of organs were not implanted due to transport problems, that is, 27 organs.

Chile needs modernization and professionalization in its organ transport procedures. It is necessary to raise standards, upgrade guidelines, and develop new technology in this area. In Chile, the way of transporting organs could be safer.