Carie Kadric

Plain English
Researchers examined whether taking a liver biopsy before recovering an organ from a brain-dead donor — a practice used to assess borderline livers — affected transplant rates and outcomes. Across 1,323 donors, biopsies were safe and actually reduced the rate of futile organ recoveries by identifying livers that would not have been usable, without reducing the overall number of transplants performed. Wider use of pre-recovery biopsy, especially in liver-only donors, could save costs and improve how organs are allocated.

Plain English
This study analyzed over 1,100 potential organ donors to identify which aspects of the family consent conversation could be changed to improve donation rates. Key factors that boosted consent included having the organ procurement representative initiate the discussion rather than a nurse or doctor, matching the representative's race to the donor's family, conducting the conversation in the afternoon or evening, and allowing longer discussions. The findings provide concrete, actionable guidance for how transplant teams can structure consent conversations to increase donation.