Patient area
Early detection for better patient outcomes
If you're receiving a liver, pancreas, or kidney transplant at St Vincent's University Hospital, you may be invited to participate in our research study exploring a new way to monitor your transplant health.
If you are considering taking part in the Sentinel skin flap study, please take a moment to read our Patient Information Leaflet for more details.
What is a Sentinel Skin Flap?
A Sentinel Skin Flap is a small, eye-shaped patch of skin from the same donor as your new organ. Placed on your forearm during transplant surgery, it reacts to rejection just like the organ itself. The difference is that rejection appears as a visible skin rash, making it easier to detect early.
.png)
(The presence of a red rash acts as an early indication that the immune system has begun to reject the new organ.)
How does it work?
Think of it as an early warning system for your transplant. If your immune system begins to reject your new organ, the skin flap will develop a rash first. When doctors see this rash, they can take a small, painless sample (biopsy) to confirm what's happening and start treatment immediately - often before any damage occurs to your transplanted organ. This could mean the difference between catching rejection early and dealing with serious complications later.
About the study
Who can participate?
Patients receiving liver, pancreas, or kidney transplants at St Vincent's University Hospital.
Study Design
Patients can choose to enrol, and when they receive a transplant offer, they can make a final decision about whether they wish to have a flap. This also depends on the donor family providing consent and on the suitability of the donor’s forearm for donation.
Your Choice
Participation is completely voluntary and won't affect your transplant care. You can withdraw anytime.
Privacy Protected
All your information is kept confidential with secure storage and unique participant IDs.