In the Philadelphia area, when an organ becomes available, the Gift of Life Donor Program sends information to UNOS. Medical and genetic information is sent to UNOS, including size and condition of the organ, blood type and tissue type, the length of time on the waiting list and geographic distance between the donor and the transplant center. Specific criteria differ for each type of organ. UNOS then generates a list of potential recipients with compatible medical and biologic profiles with the donor. Then the Organ Procurement Organization contacts the transplant centers whose patients appear on the local list.

The transplant center’s team evaluates the organ for a patient. Accepting or refusing an organ is based on medical criteria, condition of the organ, condition of the candidate, availability of staff and patient, and transportation of the organ. The transplant team has only one hour to make its decision. If the organ is not accepted, the Organ Procurement Organization continues to offer it for patients at other centers until it is placed. It is not unusual for a transplant team to refuse a particular organ.