Comments for Consideration on the Question Regarding The Impact of Pre-Transplant Red Blood Cell Transfusions in Renal Allograft Rejection

The American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) appreciate the opportunity to comment on the use of pre-transplant red blood cell transfusion on renal allograft outcomes. The AST is the largest organization of transplant professionals, representing over 3200, physicians, surgeons, scientists, histocompatibility technologists, and transplant coordinators who are actively involved in the care of transplant patients, research, education and the development of clinical practice guidelines. The ASTS is the oldest transplant society serving over 1750 surgeons, physicians, scientists, pharmacists, coordinators, and advanced transplant providers. ASTS is committed to fostering the practice and science of transplantation and guiding those who make policy decisions by advocating for comprehensive and innovative solutions to the needs of our members and their patients. As such, the AST and ASTS are uniquely positioned to comment on and present relevant data as it pertains to the potential implications of administration of blood transfusions pre-transplant for access to transplant for patients with CKD, and the impact on outcomes post-transplantation.