PHS updates guidance on pediatric testing for solid organ transplants 

Based on a review of available data and public and stakeholder input, the U.S. Public Health Service has updated its 2020 recommendations for reducing HIV and hepatitis B and C transmission through organ transplantation to specify that children under age 12 who received infectious disease testing after birth are exempt from the recommendation for additional testing for these viruses during hospital admission for solid organ transplantation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network has adopted the updated recommendation into their policy.

“Shortly after the 2020 PHS guideline was implemented, CDC and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) were notified that the recommendation for additional infectious disease testing may be harmful to pediatric organ transplant candidates because the volume of blood drawn for testing could worsen underlying illnesses in children,” CDC said.