The Public Health Service developed a guideline to reduce unexpected disease transmission through organ donation and transplantation and to improve patient safety. All donors are screened for infectious diseases, e.g. hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Prior to transplant, potential recipients are required to be fully informed of a PHS high risk donor and must provide informed consent, weighing the risks and benefits as outlined by the healthcare provider.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (2013). HHS releases new Public Health Service guideline to reduce disease transmission through organ transplantation. Retrieved from: http://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2013/06/19/hhs-releases-new-public-health-service-guideline-to-reduce-disease-transmission-through-organ-transplantation.html