New organ rejection detection technique discovered

Patients in residential care homes that have recently undergone an organ transplant may benefit from a breakthrough in organ rejection identification.

Doctors from the Stanford University School of Medicine believe that a simple blood test could identify whether or not a heart or kidney has been rejected in patients.

The research is due to be published in the PLoS-Computational Biology journal and will show that the protein signals evident in blood tests are indicators for both types of organ rejection.

Commenting on the findings, co-author Atal Butte explained: "In the past, we couldn't spot rejection episodes until they harmed the organ.

"Our goal is to develop blood tests that will keep transplanted organs functioning so that patients can avoid a second transplant."

Recent research by scientists at Kings College London may contribute to the extension of the life of organs prior to transplant.

The findings could also help prevent rejection, both immediately after the transport and in the following years.

Find out more about intermediate care at Barchester.