Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CCTN Practice Questions and Study Guide

A transplant candidate is referred to as "sensitized" when they have developed antibodies against specific human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which are proteins found on the surface of cells. This sensitization typically occurs due to previous organ transplants, blood transfusions, or pregnancies with an Rh-incompatible fetus. The presence of these antibodies can complicate the matching process for a donor organ because they can lead to hyperacute rejection if the candidate receives a transplant from a donor with matching antigens.

Being sensitized means the candidate has antibodies against the general donor pool, which severely limits their options for compatible donors. This increased level of sensitization also leads to a more complex pre-transplant evaluation because it raises the risk of rejection after transplantation. Understanding sensitization is crucial for transplant nurses and other healthcare professionals to manage and prepare sensitized patients for potential transplant options effectively.