Video: MELD scores: Balancing the liver transplant waiting list Share Facebook Twitter Print details There aren't enough donated livers to cover every person who needs a transplant. That's why Mayo Clinic developed the MELD score system to keep the long waiting list fair. Watch to learn how MELD scores get livers to the people who need them most, right now. Mostrar la transcripción MELD scores: Balancing the liver transplant waiting list Transplant is the only hope for end-stage liver disease. Nearly 12,000 people in the U.S. need a new liver. Fewer than 9,000 livers are donated. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease creates a waiting list based on need. MELD scores: Identify transplant need in the next 3 months Range from 6 (least need) to 40 Let people know how close they are to the top of the list Are fairer than "first come, first served" What's in a MELD score? Blood test numbers Age Special circumstances, like liver cancer MELD is just one factor that impacts the wait. Blood type match Distance from donor Time on wait list MELD continues to improve its methods to keep the list fair. Developed at Mayo Clinic, used worldwide. MELD scores get transplants to the people who need them most. From the experts at Mayo Clinic. VID-20538272