Frequently Asked Questions
What is Matchmaker?
Matchmaker is an expert system application that aides doctors and clinicians
in managing the paired donation program process.
How does Matchmaker work?
Using a series of proprietary algorithms, Matchmaker checks for ABO
compatibility and HLA antigen information across a pool of donors and recipients.
It then generates a list of all of the possible paired matches for every
patient and recipient in the pool. It then optimizes that information to
determine the most and best possible matches. Matchmaker gives doctors
the flexibility to look at all possible options that were previously unavailable
to them.
What is paired donation?
Paired donation allows transplant patients with willing but incompatible
donors the option for their donor to donate to a pool but not directly
to them, and for the recipient to then find a match within the pool.
A paired donation program is essentially a pool of incompatible donor/recipient
pairs who are willing to donate, but simply incompatible. Paired donation
gives people with end-stage renal disease another viable option for a
kidney transplant.
What is the difference between a paired donation and deceased organ donation?
Deceased donor organs are managed by UNOS. Transplant entered into the
deceased donor pool when your kidney fails and there is no way of knowing
how long it will take. Typical wait times for Type O peoloe is five years
and growing. It also depends upon where you live in the nation. Paired
donation uses a living donor and can quite often get you matched up more
rapidly. Paired donation is an elective surgical option that depends
upon your donor/recipient blood type mix.
Is living, paired donation better than being on the deceased donor list?
Yes, living, paired donation is better than deceased organ donation. Living
donation, whether the donor is related or unrelated to the recipient,
has much higher success rates in both the short and long term. Find the
right percentage. Percentages are specific to hospitals, however national
averages (get it off the Web site).
Does Matchmaker only find matches for patients in need of kidneys?
Yes, Matchmaker is specialized to identify kidney matches only.
If I’m a doctor, how do I buy Matchmaker?
Send an email to sales@silverstonesolutions.com for licensing information.
How can I join a paired donation program?
There are a number of paired donation programs throughout the United States.
We recommend you talk to your nephrologists and/or transplant hospital
to find out if whether they have a program and, if they do, how you can
join.
If I’m a patient, how much does it cost me
to be part of a paired donation program?
Contact your transplant hospital to find out the cost of joining its paired
donation program. Costs vary based on your hospital and insurance plans.
How long does it take Matchmaker to find a match?
The length of time it takes to find a match varies. Matches are based on
your particular immunological status and that of other people in the
pool, as well as the number of people in the pool. In general, Matchmaker
can make a match for 30% of the pool.
I have a degenerative kidney disease although my
kidney hasn’t failed
yet. Can I participated in a paired donation program?
Consult with your nephrologist or transplant hospital to find out about
whether or not they offer early registration At Silverstone, we believe
that early registration in a paired donation program will increase your
options for find a match in a more timely manner.