Mason Trust Helps Expedite Organ Transplantation

by Judy Stanton

When it comes to organ transplantation, time is extremely valuable. Thanks to a gift from the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust, Piedmont Hospital’s own laboratory can now do the testing necessary to match patients with donors or place them on a transplant waiting list.

The addition of a flow cytometer helps match organ transplant donors and recipients who are required to have human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing before being added to the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list. HLA testing determines histocompatibility – how well cells of one tissue can survive in the presence of cells of another tissue. Both donor and recipient must share antigens in order for the transplanted organ to be accepted and to remain functional.

“We no longer have to outsource HLA testing which makes us more efficient,” says Noreen Carew, administrative director for Piedmont’s Transplant Services.

The flow cytometer also is used on a daily basis following transplantation to monitor the recipient’s immunological responses. If a patient starts to reject an organ, Piedmont Hospital’s transplantation experts can help determine the best treatment plan based on HLA antibody levels. The equipment is part of Piedmont Hospital’s newly expanded HLA Laboratory.

“This capital investment will enable Piedmont to offer more timely and effective care to organ transplantation patients,” says Alice Sheets, Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust administrator.

A grant from the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust in 2001 helped Piedmont establish the Mason Transplant Clinic. Created by Marguerite Mason in memory of her husband, Carlos, the Mason Trust’s mission is to improve the process of organ transplantation for Georgians.