Lost in translation: misguided application of a laudable and well-intentioned policy

The US Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), in mid-2022, prohibited the use of race-inclusive estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas by transplant centers for any purpose covered by the OPTN policy. 1 OPTN Board approves elimination of race-based calculation for transplant candidate listing. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/news/optn-board-approves-elimination-of-race-based-calculation-for-transplant-candidate-listing/Date accessed: March 7, 2023 Google Scholar Policy 3.7.D was implemented in January 2023 to redress past harm from the use of race-inclusive formulas, by allowing Black transplant candidates “who have been affected by race-inclusive eGFR calculations to obtain waiting time they would have otherwise earned had a race-neutral eGFR calculation been used” (italics added). 2 Notice of OPTN policy change: modify waiting time for candidates affected by race inclusive estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculations. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/media/njsllhg4/policy-notice_egfrwtmods_mac_ki.pdfDate accessed: March 7, 2023 Google Scholar ,3 OPTN Board approves waiting time adjustment for kidney transplant candidates affected by race-based calculation. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/news/optn-board-approves-waiting-time-adjustment-for-kidney-transplant-candidates-affected-by-race-based-calculation/Date accessed: March 7, 2023 Google Scholar