Transferring a potential donor to a retrieval centre
The potential donor, after death determination by neurologic criteria (DNC), who is identified at a health centre that does not perform retrievals, will be transferred to a retrieval centre as promptly as possible, provided that an ICU bed is available.
Transplant Québec’s clinical coordinator/advisor will determine the appropriate retrieval centre.
In rare cases, transfer to a retrieval centre is not possible. With the approval of the identifying institution’s director of professional services, the organ retrieval can take place on site. Transplant Québec’s clinical coordinator/advisor will arrange transportation for one or more teams of retrieval surgeons and ensure that each is properly equipped.
Retrievals from CDD-type donors take place in the context of life-sustaining treatment withdrawal and end-of-life care. In order to promote continuity of care and maintain the family’s trust in the treatment team, Transplant Québec gives priority to retrieval at the identifying centre.
- Conditions governing the transfer of a potential donor:
- Coroner’s authorization, if required
- First diagnosis of brain death has been established
- Family’s consent obtained for both the organ donation and the transfer Hemodynamic stability of the donor
- Accompaniment by a nurse and a respiratory therapist from the identifying centre
Documents to include at the time of transfer:
- The ORIGINAL consent form
- A photocopy of the COMPLETE medical record (including the admission form, written confirmation of the blood group and physician’s notes or the form establishing the neurological determination of death and the coroner’s report)
- Photocopy of the previous record, if applicable/necessary
- CD containing the radiological file (brain scan, chest X-ray)