Clinical Triggers for Referral

The potential for organ donation is only possible in ICU and ED settings with your help. It is important to recognize the clinical triggers that necessitate a call to MTN.

Please call MTN at 1-800-DONOR91 (1-800-366-6791) within 30 – 60 minutes (per your hospital policy) when your mechanically ventilated patient with any diagnosis meets any these criteria:

• GCS < 5, regardless of sedation, paralytics or hypothermia

• Neurologic injury or devastating illness of any kind

• A shift toward comfort or palliative care is anticipated

Please call immediately if any of the following occur (either before or after initial referral call):

• Patient’s brain stem reflexes are absent

• Care team plans for brain death testing

• Care team/family anticipates end-of-life care (including plans to meet with family to discuss end-of-life options)

• Family member initiates donation discussion

You can also find this information on MTN’s clinical trigger badge card. Our badge cards outline the referral criteria for a potential organ donor, regardless of mode of injury or illness. They include calling MTN with plans of introducing comfort care options to family since donation is no longer an option after a patient has been extubated.

Need a badge card?

Please email info@mwtn.org or contact your Hospital Services Coordinator.