The Operations and Safety Committee is proposing a requirement for organ procurement organizations (OPOs) to use TransNet^sm for deceased donor organ labeling and packaging. The proposal also requires OPOs to transmit case data to the OPTN to allow for web-based tracking while organs are in transit.

TransNet, a service of the OPTN, is a new system that uses barcode scanning technology at the point of organ recovery to help label, package, and track organs and other biologic materials being shipped for transplantation.

TransNet involves using an application developed for either Android or iOS tablets and a portable barcode printer that interacts with DonorNet^® to supplement the current UNOS labeling system. During organ recovery, OPO procurement coordinators will use the system in the operating room to print on-demand labels and scan information on all organs and materials to be transported. Currently, 35 out of 58 OPOs have been trained to use TransNet on a voluntary basis. This proposal will make use of the system a requirement for all OPOs.

This effort started in 2012 as a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) project awarded funding through the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Innovations program. It was one of four HHS programs intended to drive innovation in the government and healthcare. The project goals were to reduce incorrect transplantation, minimize transport errors, accelerate organ information transfer, and capture organ procurement/transport data.

Requiring OPOs to use TransNet will reduce packaging and labeling errors. Packaging and labeling organs were done in the past entirely by hand, partially by hand, or by using pre-printed labels. Automating the process with TransNet will greatly reduce transcription errors and mistakes due to illegible handwriting. It will allow for one time data entry of donor information and a consistent validation process across all OPOs. TransNet will also accelerate information transfer and improve real-time communication regarding organ package contents and location thus enabling transplant hospitals to prepare for impending organ transplants more efficiently.

This proposal primarily supports OPTN/UNOS Strategic Goal 4: Promote living donor and transplant recipient safety by reducing labeling, packaging, and communication errors that can result in wrong recipient, wrong patient transplant, or organ wastage.

Feedback requested

The Operations and Safety Committee plans to propose an implementation date of June 2017. The Committee wants to give OPOs sufficient time to budget, purchase needed equipment, and train staff. The Committee is seeking feedback on whether this proposed implementation date will allow adequate time for preparation. More information about planned implementation is in this document.