Quote- Organ Donation Day (13 August) Dr Rajiv Kumar, M.Ch – Urology & Renal Transplant & Dr Deepak Dewan, MD, DM- Nephrology, Director of Renal Sciences, Regency Superspeciality Hospital

A person who is living with a loved one who has contracted COVID-19 is at risk of also becoming infected in the absence of proper precautions. This is especially true for post-transplant patients. People with a kidney transplant should consult with the doctor to find out what additional precautions should be taken by them and their caregivers. This might include additional hand washing/sanitizing, face coverings, or other measures. Immunosuppressive medications may place transplant recipients at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and more so with a possibility of severe disease with increased morbidity & probably mortality, but it’s important to continue taking all medications as prescribed unless a physician suggests otherwise. However, the risk of acquiring COVID-19 from organ donation is low. Donors are screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure history and are also tested by RT-PCR. Living donors who have been to high-risk areas or exposed to someone diagnosed or being evaluated for COVID-19 infection are generally being asked to postpone donation for 14 to 28 days after returning and are tested prior to donation. Transplants should not be postponed in individuals who require it on an urgent basis due to compelling health indications.