The organ donation process through a review of the literature. Part 2.

Several studies have attempted to investigate the role of culture and race in organ donation and transplantation. These studies go beyond ones conducted out of mere interest. The researchers have found that there are indeed human leukocyte antigens that are specific to individual races and that affect transplantation outcomes (Milford et al 1987). Similarly, Weller et al (1987) have shown that graft and patient survivals were improved when donors and recipients are of the same race.