In 1993 AOTB became a full service recovery agency by adding eye recovery to their services. It was at this time that the name of the organization was changed to Donor Network of Arizona (DNA). DNA acquired the Lions Eye and Tissue Bank in the Spring of 1995, becoming the only eye recovery organization in the state.

In 1997 DNA added another link in the donor chain by purchasing an immunogentics laboratory that provides the genetic testing necessary to match donors with recipients. By having an in-house laboratory, DNA has been able to cut the cost of placing organs by as much as 18%.

Ocular

In addition to full-service recovery, Donor Network of Arizona also provides public and professional education services and donor family services.

Since 1993, Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) has provided over 5,000 corneas for transplant to residents of Arizona, the United States and countries around the world. According to the 1998 Eye Bank Association of America Statistical Report, DNA ranked second of EBAA Member Eye Banks for total number of corneas provided for transplantation with 1,824 corneas provided for transplantation.

There are 25 ocular employees statewide including 10 Certified Eye Bank Technicians. These employees screen potential donors, approach families for donation consent and recover, evaluate, process and distribute ocular tissue.

The Medical Director for Donor Network of Arizona's Ocular Department is:

Dr. Robert Gross

In addition Dr. Edward L. Shaw is affiliated with the Ocular Department and acts as the Medical Director in Dr. Gross' absence.

If you have questions about eye donation or transplantation contact:
DNA Public Affairs.

Tissue

DNA Tissue Services employs five full time staff and eight on call technicians in addition to a full staff of case coordinators and screeners. The tissue recovery staff specializes in the recovery of many types of transplantable tissues including:

• Bones
• Cardiovascular
• Connective (ligaments and tendons)
• Skin and other tissues

DNA is affiliated with the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF), the largest tissue bank in the world. Musculoskeletal tissue recovered by DNA is processed and distributed by MTF. Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) is the second largest affiliate program of MTF.

DNA contracts with Cryolife, Inc for the processing and distribution of recovered veins and heart valves. DNA works with Transplant Services Center in Texas for skin processing and distribution.

Organ

Donor Network of Arizona has eight organ recovery coordinators (ORCs), who specialize in potential donor screening, medical management of donors, and distribution of organs for transplant. Organ Recovery Coordinators are also available to approach families with their options for donation. These organ recovery coordinators, all healthcare professionals with a background in critical care, respond to hospitals throughout the state of Arizona from offices in Phoenix and Tucson.

Organ Recovery Coordinators also work with the Professional Education Department to develop hospital relationships through assisting in developing donation policies and procedures, educating staff, presenting workshops and providing follow-up about donation cases.

HLA Laboratory

The Immunogenetics Laboratories at Donor Network of Arizona provide testing and screening services for transplantation. These services include:

Tissue Typing
Tissue typing is used by transplant centers to determine recipient and donor compatibility for kidney, pancreas, bone marrow, heart and liver transplants.

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Antibody Screening
HLA Antibody Screening is utilized to monitor potential kidney and pancreas recipients for the formation of antibodies that recognize donor DNA. These antibodies can lead to immediate rejection of transplanted organs.

Donor Network of Arizona has two immunogenetics laboratories:

Phoenix
The Phoenix laboratory is accredited by Healthcare Financing Administration (CLIA), American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI), College of American Pathologists (CAP) and United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). This laboratory provides transplant services for Donor Network of Arizona and four transplant centers in Arizona.

Las Vegas
The Las Vegas laboratory serves two Nevada transplant centers and the Nevada Organ Procurement Organization. It holds accreditation with CLIA, ASHI, UNOS and the state of Nevada.

Education

The Education Services Department at Donor Network of Arizona has seven full-time staff and over 50 volunteers dedicated to providing education about donation and transplantation to healthcare professionals and the general public.

Education Services Mission:
Effectively build an awareness of donation through creative educational techniques; initiate and strengthen partnerships, foster positive change and serve as a resource to our community.

Vision:
Be a proactive, innovative team that identifies and responds to the diverse needs of our community built upon a broad-based foundation.