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HIV Organ Donation UK Policy — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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ModerateHIV MedicineHIV Organ Donation UK PolicySCE Infectious Diseases

A 30-year-old man with well-controlled HIV asks whether he can donate organs after death. What is the current UK policy?

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Correct answer: B — PLWH CAN be considered for organ donation — organs from HIV-positive donors can be transplanted into HIV-positive recipients (HIV D+/R+ transplantation); NHSBT has a protocol for this

Since 2015, HIV-positive organ donation (HIV D+/R+) has been possible in the UK under NHSBT protocols. Organs from HIV-positive donors (with well-controlled HIV) can be transplanted into HIV-positive recipients. This has expanded the donor pool for HIV-positive patients awaiting transplant. Key criteria: donor must have documented HIV history with known VL/CD4; recipient must be HIV-positive and consented to receiving an HIV+ organ. This policy reflects the excellent outcomes of transplantation in well-controlled HIV and the ethical imperative to address organ shortage.

Reference: NHSBT 2024 – HIV+ organ donation; BHIVA 2022; Lancet HIV 2019