United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS)
Contrary to popular belief, waiting for a transplant is not like taking a number and waiting your turn. In some respects, even the word “list” is misleading because the list is really a giant pool of patients.
Matching Organs. Saving Lives.
UNOS manages the national transplant waiting list, matching organs to patients in need 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They accomplish this through technology, policy, education and research. UNOS engages the public and transplant community in our work to shape and maintain a high-performing, patient-centered transplant system that is safe, efficient, ethical, and medically sound. View the UNOS transplantation and matching organs video.
Matching Organs
UNOS provides a vital link in the organ transplant process. Its policies and computerized network match donated organs with transplant candidates in ways that save as many lives as possible and provide transplant recipients with the best possible chance of long-term survival. Only medical and logistical factors are used in organ matching.
To ensure the best possible solutions for patients awaiting transplantation, UNOS follows a collaborative policy development process that encourages participation by the public and transplant community. This process, which also includes extensive and valid scientific data, ensures that all patients have an equal chance of receiving a suitable organ.
UNOS collects, analyzes, publishes and shares clinical transplantation data in order to promote safety, improve care and promote successful transplant outcomes. UNOS is committed to educating transplant professionals on current best practices and policy implementation to improve patient outcomes and continued operational efficiency.