Perspectives on biovigilance and transmission of infection of donor origin in deceased organ donation-The evolving scenario in the United Kingdom.

Background: A biovigilance program that has oversight of the entire organ and tissue donation and transplantation pathways underpins the quality and safety system in the United Kingdom.

Method: A synopsis of the microbiological characterization of potential deceased organ donors and the processes for notification and investigation of possible donor-derived infections are described. A summary of the outcome of investigations performed over a 10-year period and a subset data frame of 5 years showing the proportion of infection incidents in relation to other incident types are also presented.

Impact of Hepatitis E Virus Screening in the UK Deceased Organ Donor Population.

Universal Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) screening of deceased organ donors was implemented by the UK national organ procurement organisation in October 2017. Donor testing for HEV infection is done post-transplant; detection of HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) in donor plasma is therefore not a contra-indication for organ donation, with the result being used to inform recipient management. Immediate post-transplant detection of donor HEV viraemia triggers notification to transplant centres.