Introduction: The lack of a clear methodology for the clinical-laboratory evaluation of potential deceased organ donors (PD), which is reproducible and guarantees traceability in the organ donation process, may compromise the number of donors used and the quality of transplanted organs.
Methods: We developed a simplified, safe method, based on 2 fundamental principles: 1) Up-to-date knowledge of absolute contraindications for organ donation and, 2) Decision-making based on three questions, which can be repeated throughout the donation process (From identifying the potential donor to removing the organs) minimizing the risk of transmission of infectious and oncological diseases. Absolute contraindications were categorized into 4 groups: A) Serological, B) Tumors: Solid and hematological, C) Infectious diseases and, D) Biological risk for the transmission of infectious diseases and cancer. Questions for decision making: 1) What is the cause of death?; 2) Is there any absolute contraindication for organ donation? and, 3) Are there any relative contraindication for organ donation? Each PD was subjected to the same methodology. The questions were answered after knowing: a) PD’s  Clinical History, b) Cause of death, c) Laboratory tests results, d) Previous illnesses, e) Physical examination and, f) Biological risk behavior. The set of information was evaluated following this methodology by a group of doctors in the years 2022 and 2023. This method was applied at the United Arab Emirates Organ Procurement Organization. The results were compared before and after using this method.
Results: 2021 was the year prior to application of the methodology. A) 2021: 39 effective donors were obtained, and 147 transplants were performed. B) After the start of the methodology: In 2022, 55 donors were obtained and 203 transplants were performed (increase of 41% and 38%, respectively). In 2023, the number of donors increased to 85 and 262 transplants (Increase of 54% and 30%, respectively).
Conclusion: The methodology used demonstrates that it can directly contribute to the increase in utilized donors and organs used for transplants. The methodology has influenced over the flow of decisions. As it is an easily reproducible methodology, it can be implemented by OPO and hospitals dedicated to organ donation. An indirect effect observed of this methodology was the increase in notifications from ICU doctors, motivated by feedback and safe resolution of cases.