Public Health Service Guideline for Reducing Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Through Solid Organ Transplantation

On September 21, 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), published a notice in the Federal Register requesting public comment on the draft "Public Health Service (PHS) Guideline for Reducing Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) through Solid Organ Transplantation" (76 FR 58517). Written and electronic comments were to be received on or before November 21, 2011. However, HHS/CDC has received requests for a 30 day extension of the comment period. In consideration of those requests, HHS/CDC is extending the comment period by 30 days to December 23, 2011. CDC also published a supporting document for reference, the Evidence Report. The Evidence Report includes primary evidence, studies, and data tables that were used by the Guideline authors in developing the recommendations in the Guideline. The draft Guideline is for use by organ procurement organizations (OPOs); transplant centers, including physicians, nurses, administrators, and clinical coordinators; laboratory personnel responsible for testing and storing donor and recipient specimens; and persons responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating infection prevention and control programs for OPOs and transplant centers. This Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for reducing unexpected transmission of HIV, HBV and HCV from deceased and living organ donors.