UW solution

UW solution (University of Wisconsin solution) is a multi-component organ preservation solution developed in 1986 by Belzer and Southard. It is widely regarded as the gold standard for hypothermic static cold storage of abdominal organs (kidney, liver, pancreas) intended for transplantation. The solution is a complex cocktail designed to minimize cell swelling and ischemia-reperfusion injury during storage. Key components include lactobionic acid (an impermeant anion providing osmotic support), raffinose (osmotic support), hydroxyethyl starch (colloid osmotic pressure), and various antioxidants and metabolic precursors like glutathione, allopurinol, and adenosine. It maintains an osmolarity of approximately 320 mOsm/L and a pH of 7.4, effectively reducing cellular edema and preserving organ viability for extended periods prior to transplantation.

Brand names

ViaspanBel-genIGL-1IGL1IGL 1

Other names

University of Wisconsin solutionBelzer UW solutionUW液