University of Virginia Health System

Lung Transplantation

Waiting for an Organ: The Listing Process

Listing

The waiting list for transplant organs is managed nationwide by a federally regulated, non-profit service called the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) . UNOS uses a complex set of factors to ensure that availability and distribution of organs is handled fairly and promotes the greatest benefit from a precious medical resource.

The Lung Allocation Score

Lungs at the University of Virginia are obtained through LifeNet, Virginia's organ procurement organization or through UNOS. Organs are offered to the first person on the list within a reachable geographic area, and according to each patient’s Lung Allocation Score (LAS). The LAS is calculated using the patient’s medical information. This information includes lab values, test results and disease diagnosis. The result is a score representing an estimate of the severity of the patient’s illness and his or her chance of success following a lung transplant. A patient with a higher score will be listed as a higher priority.

The average waiting time varies by LAS score, and may be as short as a few weeks or as long as several years. During the waiting period, the patient is seen every three or four months by the transplant pulmonologist and transplant coordinator (Nurse Practitioner) at UVa to assess progress and help in preparing for life after transplant.

While Waiting ...

Patients are encouraged to participate in a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program from the time of listing until several months after transplantation. This has been found to improve quality of life prior to transplant and to speed recovery after surgery.

UVa sponsors a monthly Heart and Lung Transplant Support Group on the fourth Thursday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meetings are open to patients, family members and friends during the waiting period and after transplant. They are led by the transplant social worker and provide a good opportunity to meet others who have undergone a transplant or are waiting. For information on the next meeting, contact the transplant office at (800) 257-0757.