KIDNEY
The CTI continues to expand organ access for patients through our hepatitis C-positive to hepatitis C-negative program , which allows us to safely transplant organs from infected donors and cure the hepatitis C in the recipient with antiviral therapy . We developed relevant protocols for all solid organs , applying them first with our kidney / pancreas and liver programs . This initiative allows more organs to be transplanted and reduces wait times .
ORGANS – KIDNEY
In addition , our Kidney Paired Donation Program helps match transplant candidates with kidneys by working with a database of our patients and living kidney donors . Paired kidney donations now account for a substantial percentage of the living-donor kidney transplants at UAB , and they serve as yet another potentially lifesaving option for our patients .
The UAB Kidney Transplant Program is one of the most active renal transplant centers in the southeast , for both living-donor and deceaseddonor procedures , and we are a national leader in kidney transplants for African Americans . UAB performed our first-ever kidney transplant in 1968 , and in late 2017 we completed our 10,000th – a milestone achieved by very few transplant centers . As of mid-2022 , that number exceeded 11,425 .
Average wait times at UAB are down across all blood types , as we have pioneered new ways to increase the number of donor kidneys available to our patients . For example , our Incompatible Donor Program focuses on overcoming the barriers of crossing blood or tissue groups . The CTI is a leader in this desensitization technique , and it can provide a muchneeded option for patients facing a high immunologic risk .
To help patients with delayed graft function , the CTI collaborates with UAB Hospital ’ s Acute Dialysis Unit to more quickly discharge kidney transplant recipients after transplant , supporting them with outpatient dialysis as needed . This effort has positively impacted patient experience and satisfaction .
MEDIAN TIME TO KIDNEY TRANSPLANT FOR WAITING LIST CANDIDATES
The UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute ( CTI ) is widely recognized for major advances in immunosuppression protocols , research , technology , and surgical techniques . We have a streamlined transplant evaluation process and continue to expand the clinical team to meet the needs of patients . Our commitment to research is evidenced by participation in multiple research studies funded by the National Institutes of Health as well as private industry . uabmedicine . org / refertransplant 21