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OPTN board narrows West Nile virus testing window for living donors to 7 days
Summary
Following a reported donor‑derived West Nile virus death, the OPTN Board approved an emergency amendment moving seasonal West Nile NAT testing for living donors from within 14 days to within 7 days prior to recovery; board authorized implementation coordination with HRSA.
The OPTN Board approved a DTAC‑recommended emergency amendment to OPTN policy 14.4.0.8 on June 18, changing the seasonal West Nile virus nucleic acid testing window for living donors from within 14 days prior to organ recovery to within 7 days. DTAC described a case in which a peripheral blood stem cell recipient developed West Nile virus infection 17 days after transplant and later died; post‑donation donor serology supported seroconversion close to the time of donation.
Chair John McGee and presenters emphasized patient safety and stakeholder consultation with living‑donor and transplant coordinator committees and with HRSA. Members asked whether emergency implementation would wait for public comment; leadership stated the emergency action permits near‑term implementation while public comment must occur within six months. The chair reported the vote as carried (24 approved, 2 rejected, 0 abstentions). The board authorized the president or designee to direct communications and implementation work with HRSA and contractors.
