Friday, February 18, 2011

Wrong kidney transplanted into patient at USC




Wrong kidney transplanted into patient at USC

(AP) LOS ANGELES - USC University Hospital officials say they voluntarily and temporarily shut down their kidney transplant program last month after the wrong kidney was transplanted into a patient.


The Los Angeles Times reports Thursday that hospital officials said the patient was not harmed because the kidney was a close enough match. The hospital said in a statement that it underwent the review as a precaution to ensure safety.


The hospital has been conducting a review of clinical procedures and safeguards since shutting down the program Jan. 29.


USC staff has assisted patients who wish to be on kidney wait lists for other hospitals.


The review of the kidney transplant program is expected to be complete by Friday, and the hospital will consider reactivating the program at that time.