INNOVATIONS
Human Innovation Transforms Transplantation NJ Sharing Network (NJSN) Transplant Laboratory Plays Critical Role in Completing the Circle of Life
NJSN laboratory opened Educators of future laboratory technologists and pathology residents
1994
Advances in technology—Magnetic beads implemented for the isolation of T & B Cells to improve sensitivity of donor/recipient compatibility testing
1999
1988 NJ Sharing Network’s fully accredited, stateof-the-art laboratory forms a life-saving bridge between potential organ donors and patients waiting. Our laboratory operates 24/7, performing histocompatibility testing for deceased and living organ donors and recipients, as well as conducting pre- and post-transplant evaluations. The facility has also been recognized for groundbreaking research facilitating the successful transplantation of difficult to match individuals. From the very beginning, the lab has been at the forefront for advocacy and efforts for living kidney donation. Since NJ Sharing Network was formed in 1988, the lab has been credited with saving the lives of more than 10,000 New Jersey residents. Thanks to Dr. Prakash Rao, PhD, MBA, FACHE, HCLD, VP/CLO, Diagnostics and Research Operations and Director, Transplant Laboratory, for sharing here the many milestones achieved over the years and providing a glimpse at how the lab is “transforming transplantology.”
NJSN’s Regenerative Medicine initiative • Used adult stem cells from researchconsented deceased donors • Procured and grew cells from deceased donor bone marrow iliac crest and adipose tissue • Proved that deceased donors could be considered as an additional source of stem cells, supplementing limited living donor stem cell resources
2014
NKR Teamwork Award for the 2nd longest living donor transplant chain (as of 2014)
2015
2016
Presented Organ Procurement Organization’s role in living donor transplants – ELPAT conference in Rome, Italy • First presentation of the role of OPOs in facilitating living donor transplant chains
2017
Procured and grew cells from deceased donor femur-derived bone marrow Cryopreservation of donor lymphocytes
8 2019 CIRCLE OF LIFE • NJSharingNetwork.org
State-of-the-art DNA technology implemented
Invitation to Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to learn from leaders in living donation • Psychosocial evaluation of altruistic donors to start kidney chains Decellularized a deceased donor heart and kidney • Potential for future reseeding with patient compatible cells. Start of longest single center paired kidney exchange in New Jersey (grows to 33 paired exchanges and counting)
