Transplant Donors

[lankeela]

Watching a report on someone who had a face transplant got me wondering whether the increased number of deaths from Covid has resulted in more organ donors. Would they be suitable or not because of compromised health?

[woofgang]

I think on the basis that anybody who dies with covid will leave virus in the body, they wouldn't be usable.

[lankeela]

So going on from that thought if someone recovers do they still have it in their system? How long does it remain in the body and would be infectious?

[Peter Pedant]

no it hasnt
deffo unsuitable

[gness]

https://www.odt.nhs.uk/information-for-patients/coronavirus-faqs/

[Peter Pedant]

yes the dead are full of the virus
and in the first wave were disposed off in sealed bags

this is not casualyy cum emergency ward 10

[gness]

It has meant far fewer transplants. Some transplants that would have happened before Covid have been lost.

[lankeela]

Sorry Woofgang - have given PP best answer as it might be the only time ever there is the chance of that happening!

[lankeela]

Thanks gness that makes it clear.

[gness]

I know someone with Covid can't donate but it's the others who could have donated and wanted to but now haven't been able that saddens me.

[Toorak]

I agree, gness. Very sad all round

But hopefully there is light on the horizon :-)

[gness]

It is, Toorak. So many good, healthy organs have been lost last year. The difference it makes is something I know so well and I do feel for those who could be living a much better life now. Bloody virus!

[rowanwitch]

The problem comes because of the immune depression you need after a transplant. This would mean a person who had a transplant from an infected donor would be overwhelmed by the virus very quickly. It shouldn't affect blood transfusions though as blood is treated to kill a number of infections and covid would be destroyed at the same time.

[woofgang]

lankeela "Question Author Sorry Woofgang - have given PP best answer as it might be the only time ever there is the chance of that happening!"
lol I have more than twice as many BA's as PP so i can afford it!