【Objective】 A Transplant Testing Center collaborates with the Japan Organ Transplant Network (JOT) to handle histocompatibility testing. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend of transplant testing centers withdrawing from testing services, resulting in an extremely challenging situation for the organ transplant testing infrastructure. Our hospital received a request from the JOT in 2022, and starting from 2023, we have been performing the duties of a Designated Transplant Testing Center.
【Methods】 Since 2015, our facility has been conducting histocompatibility testing. Anticipating the transition to a designated transplant testing center, we have simultaneously expanded and streamlined internal operations, invested in personnel development, upgraded equipment, and improved our working environment.
【Results】 The duties of a designated transplant testing center require 24-hour availability. Our hospital, having had sufficient preparation time, successfully initiated these responsibilities without any issues related to personnel or equipment. Regarding staffing, having multiple staff members capable of conducting tests allows for rotation and thus facilitates workload distribution and burden reduction. As for equipment, we have established backup systems to handle any potential issues, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
【Conclusion】 Despite our hospital having commenced the duties of a designated transplant testing center, the organ transplant testing infrastructure remains under stringent conditions. Leveraging our experience, we aim to support the expansion of testing facilities. Additionally, efforts to alleviate the burden of testing tasks, such as promoting virtual cross-matching, are essential.
