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Paired Kidney Exchange Programme — ESENeph MCQ

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EasyTransplantationPaired Kidney Exchange ProgrammeESENeph

A 60-year-old man with CKD G5D on haemodialysis has been counselled about transplantation. He asks about the paired kidney exchange programme. What is this?

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Correct answer: D — A living donor exchange programme where incompatible donor-recipient pairs are matched with other incompatible pairs so each recipient receives a compatible kidney

The UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme (LKSS) includes paired exchange, where two or more incompatible donor-recipient pairs 'swap' donors so each recipient receives a compatible kidney. For example, if Patient A's donor is compatible with Patient B and vice versa, they exchange. The scheme also includes pooled exchange (>2 pairs) and altruistic donor chains (an altruistic donor starts a chain of transplants). NHSBT coordinates matching runs quarterly. This dramatically increases transplant access for patients with incompatible living donors.

Reference: NHSBT – UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme; BTS – Living Donation Guidelines