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The Highly Sensitized Patient program has reached a milestone of 1,000 kidney transplants. These transplants represent 1,000 people who may not have received a transplant otherwise due to their need for a very specific match.
We’re celebrating 1,000 lifesaving transplants
What is a highly sensitized patient?
This refers to a patient whose immune system has developed a reaction to certain markers on blood cells — called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) — which are perceived as a threat.
The Highly Sensitized Patient program increases the chances of finding kidney transplants for hard-to-match patients. These 1,000 kidney transplants represent 1,000 people who would likely not have received a transplant because they need a very specific match.
How it works
The HSP program uses sophisticated technology to match the right kidney to the right patient anywhere in Canada. Through this program, highly sensitized patients who receive kidney donations are less likely to reject the new organ.
While patients are waiting for transplants, doctors do testing to figure out which antibodies, and how many, the patient has.
Testing
Doctors apply a formula, known as the cPRA (calculated panel reactive antibody), which calculates the list of antibodies in a patient.
Calculating
The HSP program provides access to a larger, national pool of donors to help patients find a match from anywhere in the country.
Matching
Using the cPRA formula, doctors run an algorithm to estimate the number of potential donors in the population.
Estimating
Changing lives together
This incredible milestone and the success of the program would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of donation and transplantation programs and healthcare professionals across the country. The Highly Sensitized Patient program is an example of how interprovincial organ sharing and health systems work together to improve access to organ transplants for people in Canada—beyond provincial borders.
How do I register my intent to donate organs and tissues?
Patients who are highly sensitized are at higher risk of rejecting an organ transplant from most donors.
Highly sensitized patients need a very specific donor match.
About 20% of all patients on provincial organ transplant waitlists are highly sensitized.
These same patients historically receive less than 1% of provincial donation and transplant programs. The program gives provincial transplant programs access to a larger national pool of kidney donors for highly sensitized patients who need a more specific donor match.