Video: MELD scores: Balancing the liver transplant waiting list

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.