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Organ Transplant Waitlist: Explained
a GlobalCastMD production

Jennifer Staley-Haynes, BSN, Liver Transplant Coordinator:
Hello. I’m Jennifer, and I’m a pre-transplant nurse coordinator with the liver and intestinal transplant center here at Cincinnati Children’s.

Today I’d like to tell you a little bit about what you can expect when you are evaluated for placement on the transplant waitlist through United Network for Organ Sharing, otherwise known as UNOS.

Once we receive your referral, a member from our team will reach out to you to schedule a comprehensive evaluation to ensure transplant is the right treatment option for your child.

The evaluation will take place over multiple days and include appointments with our multidisciplinary team, including: Hepatologists, Transplant Surgeons, Social Workers, Transplant Financial Specialists, Infections Disease Doctors, Psychologists and a Registered Dietician.

Additionally, your child will need to have an MRI, blood work, an echo, and other testing necessary to make the best decision for your child.

If our team determines a transplant is required, your child will be placed on the UNOS waitlist and receive a PELD score if they are under 12 years of age and a MELD score for those children 12 and above. These scores determine their priority on the transplant waitlist.

These scores are based on lab results, diagnosis and height and weight for those under 12 years of age. If your child’s natural score does not reflect the severity of their condition, then our team may consider requesting additional points that more accurately reflect the severity of their condition.

It is important to note these scores can change over time and are recalculated as needed as required by UNOS.

While on the waitlist, your child will come in for follow-up appointments every 3 months or more frequently if necessary.

During these appointments, you will receive transplant education and meet with various members from the multidisciplinary team to discuss the care and answer questions.

Waiting for a life-saving organ transplant can be a time filled with uncertainty and worry. Our highly experienced team is here to help you and your child along the journey.

If you’d like more information about our program, please call us at: (513) 636-4955. Feel free to follow us on our Facebook page.

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