Clinical Triggers ICU/ED/OR Corner

Clinical Triggers for Potential Organ Donor Referrals

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 60 minutes (per your hospital policy) if your patient meets the following criteria.

All mechanically ventilated patients with:

• A GCS < 5, regardless of sedation, paralytics, hypothermia OR

• Neurologic injury or devastating injury OR

• A shift toward comfort or palliative care decisions is anticipated.

Clinical Updates for Current or New Organ Donor Referrals

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

• The care team/family anticipates end-of-life care (including advanced notice of plans to meet with family to discuss end-of-life options),

• The patient’s neuro reflexes are absent,

• The care team plans for brain death testing or

• A family member initiates a donation discussion.

You can also find this information on MTN’s clinical trigger badge card.

Need a badge card?

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