The solution used to preserve most donor organs in the UK could
be contaminated with bacteria, the government has said. Viaspan
preserves the kidney, liver, pancreas and bowel, and is often
used when organs are transported around the country. Tests in
recent days have found the presence of a bacteria, Bacillus
cereus, in the solution. The manufacturer of Viaspan, Bristol-
Myers Squibb, issued a recall of the product after tests on its
production line revealed the bug. The line was last tested in
July. The company has said it cannot guarantee the safety of
Viaspan since that date. Hundreds of Britons have received
organs since July, although transplant centres have reported no
adverse effects in patients linked to possible contamination.
The government and the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are now working to secure alternative
liquids. Until then, Viaspan will still be used in the UK and
patients can be prescribed an antibiotic in case the bug is
present. Chief Medical Officer, Prof