The OrQA-UK (Organ Quality Assessment) trial: testing a new artificial intelligence tool to help increase the use of donated livers in the UK
The OrQA-UK trial is testing a new computer tool called OrQA-L that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to look at photos of donated livers. Currently, surgeons judge liver quality by how they look and feel, which can sometimes lead to good livers not being used. The OrQA-L tool gives a standard quality score, aiming to help surgeons make more confident decisions. The goal is to increase the number of successful liver transplants in the UK by 25%, potentially leading to 60 more transplants each year. This study doesn't involve people directly but focuses on assessing donated livers using this new technology.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Organ transplants are life-saving operations for people with serious organ failure. However, there aren't enough organs available for everyone who needs one, and sometimes good quality organs aren't used because doctors are cautious about their condition. For donated livers, doctors often rely on what they see and feel when deciding if a liver is healthy enough for transplant. This can sometimes lead to healthy livers being overlooked.
This is where the OrQA-UK trial comes in. Our team has developed a special Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, called OrQA-L, which can look at pictures of donated livers and give them a standard quality score. Think of it like a computer program that can consistently assess a picture of a liver. The main aim of this trial is to see if having this score helps transplant surgeons decide which livers are suitable for transplant. We hope this will mean more good quality livers are used, helping more people get the transplants they need.
The overall goal is to reduce the number of donated livers that aren't used by 25%. If successful, this could mean an extra 60 liver transplants could happen in the UK each year, making a real difference to patients waiting for a new liver.
Key takeaways
- The study tests a new AI tool (OrQA-L) to assess donated liver quality.
- Goal is to use more healthy donated livers, potentially increasing transplants by 25%.
- It examines photos of donor livers, not people.
- Aims to help surgeons make more confident decisions.
- Could lead to 60 more liver transplants a year in the UK.
- Patient safety is always the priority.
Who may be eligible?
This study isn't about recruiting people. Instead, it focuses on donated livers themselves. For a donated liver to be included in the study, the donor's family must have agreed to research. The liver must also have at least one clear photograph available and be identified with a special NHS Blood and Transplant number.
The computer system will also need to be able to successfully check the quality of these liver images and confirm they are indeed liver images, not something else. The OrQA-L tool then has to be able to create a quality score for the liver.
Livers from living donors (where someone donates part of their liver while they are alive) or livers that aren't offered through the usual TransplantPath system (like 'domino' transplants, where a liver is taken from one patient and then given to another) will not be included in this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- The donor family has agreed to research.
- The donated liver has at least one clear image.
- The liver has a special identification number.
- The AI system can successfully check the image quality and confirm it's a liver.
- The AI system successfully provides a quality score for the liver.
What does participation involve?
This study is different because it doesn't involve people directly as participants. Instead, it focuses on donated livers. The study will look at photographs of livers that have been donated. For some of these photographs, the new OrQA-L quality score will be shown to transplant surgeons, while for other photographs, the score won't be shown. This allows the researchers to compare whether the score helps surgeons in their decisions. This research involves looking at existing data and images and does not require any additional procedures or changes for patients or donors. The study is expected to run from August 2026 until January 2029.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- This is a decentralised trial and there are no participating centres/sitesCity only-, England
Common questions
What is AI and how does it help with liver transplants?
AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a computer system that can learn from information. In this study, it's being used to carefully look at photos of donated livers and give them a consistent quality score. This helps surgeons make more informed decisions about which livers are best for transplant.
Will this study affect me if I'm waiting for a transplant?
This study is focused on improving the process of assessing donated livers. If successful, it could mean more livers become available for transplant, which would be good news for people waiting.
Is it safe to use AI for such an important decision?
Patient safety is the top priority. The study is designed to scientifically compare if the AI score is helpful to surgeons, while making sure patient safety standards are always maintained. The final decision always rests with the human transplant surgeon.
Where is this study taking place?
The study is managed by the NHS Blood & Transplant Clinical Trials Unit in Cambridge, and led by Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHSFT.
Who is paying for this research?
The study is funded by the NIHR Invention for Innovation Programme, which supports new healthcare ideas.
How to find out more
Charlotte Hickman
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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