Probation for program that transplanted infected kidney

PITTSBURGH — The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the United Network for Organ Sharing have placed the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's transplant program on probation for up to a year because a living female donor had hepatitis when her kidney was transplanted into her male partner.

1. Don't miss these Health stories
   1. 

      Robin Pierre
      Nearly 1,000 dogs sick from jerky treats now

      Nearly 1,000 dogs reportedly have been sickened by chicken jerky pet treats from China, according to a new tally of complaints from worried owners submitted to federal veterinary health officials.

   2. No routine PSA tests for men, panel rules
   3. JPMorgan exec's Lyme infection shows need for quick care
   4. Stress turns guys into social butterflies
   5. Toxic mushrooms: Drug promises new cure

The couple has sued UPMC which self-reported the incident earlier this year.

The probation designation by UNOS means UPMC has agreed to take corrective measures.

UPMC's transplant chief, Dr. Abhi Humar, says UPMC used to have two layers of precautions to ensure a transplant recipient couldn't get a disease from a donor, but now uses a seven-step process.

UNOS will monitor UPMC's adherence to the new procedures during the probationary period. Humar says that oversight won't delay patient access to transplants or other services.

Couple sues after he gets her infected kidney