Policies regarding the transplantation of hepatitis C-positive candidates and donor organs

Whether hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive candidates or donor organs should undergo transplantation remains controversial. Seventy-two thoracic transplantation centers responded to a survey soliciting specific information about policies regarding the listing of HCV-positive candidates and the use of HCV-positive donor organs. Most centers (64%) list HCV-positive candidates for heart transplantation. Twenty-six percent of centers refuse to use HCV- positive organs, whereas the remainder restrict the use of HCV-positive organs to status 1 recipients or HCV-positive candidates: More information is needed regarding the clinical outcomes of HCV-positive candidates and recipients of HCV-positive organs before clear-cut candidate selection and organ allocation policies can be established.