Four organ transplant recipients contracted HIV and Hepatitis C from a high risk donor.

The donor was tested twice but the results were negative for Hepatitis and HIV among other diseases and viruses.   Doctors at Chicago area hospitals proceeded with the transplants after they received the test results.  A statement issued by Rush University Medical Center says “This is a truly unfortunate occurrence.  Rush will be working with other transplant centers… to determine how this may be prevented in the future.”

A spokesperson for gift of hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network says the tests were negative because there was not enough time for the viruses to show up in the body.  She also says the donor most likely acquired the viruses in the last three weeks before the transplants.

Some medical experts say one possible way to prevent incidents like this, is to exclude high risk donors.  Others say if that happens many viable organs may be lost.

There has not been a case of HIV transmission through organ transplants since 1985.

What do you think?  Are organ transplants safe?  It's your turn to Speak Up! Memphis.