Home / Health / Karnataka to Set Up Satellite Labs for Organ Transplant Compatibility
Karnataka to Set Up Satellite Labs for Organ Transplant Compatibility
1 Aug
Summary
- Satellite lab for organ transplant compatibility testing to be established in Mangaluru
- Karnataka ranks 2nd in India for organ donation, to receive national award
- Demand for organ transplants exceeds availability, with thousands awaiting transplants

In July 2025, the Karnataka government announced plans to establish a satellite laboratory for complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) crossmatch testing during organ transplantation at the Government Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru. This lab will assess the compatibility between organ donors and recipients, a critical step in the transplantation process.
The announcement was made by the state's Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, during an event commemorating Indian Organ Donation Day. Rao stated that similar labs will also be set up in Mysuru and Shivamogga to improve access to this essential service, as blood samples are currently sent to Bengaluru for testing.
Karnataka has emerged as a leader in organ donation, ranking second in the country. The state will receive the 'Best State in Promoting Organ Donation Excellence Award' from the Government of India on August 2nd, 2025. Additionally, the Jeeva Sarthakathe coordinator from Hubballi-Dharwad will be recognized as the 'Best Coordinator'.
However, the minister acknowledged that the demand for organ transplants remains high, with 4,582 people awaiting kidney transplants, 583 for liver, 133 for heart, and 31 for lung transplants in the state. In 2024, 162 donors contributed 457 organs, while in the first seven months of 2025, 121 donors donated 326 organs.