At issue is a once widely used test that overestimated how well Black people’s kidneys were functioning, making them look healthier than they really were — all because of an automated formula that calculated results for Black and non-Black patients differently. That race-based equation could delay diagnosis of organ failure and evaluation for a transplant, exacerbating other disparities that already make Black patients more at risk of needing a new kidney but less likely to get one.

A few years ago, the National Kidney Foundation and American Society of Nephrology prodded laboratories to switch to race-free equations in calculating kidney function. Then the U.S. organ transplant network ordered hospitals to use only race-neutral test results in adding new patients to the kidney waiting list.

Dr. Martha Pavlakis (of Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and former chair of the network’s kidney committee) calls what happened next an attempt at restorative justice: The transplant network gave hospitals a year to uncover which Black kidney candidates could have qualified for a new kidney sooner if not for the race-based test — and adjust their waiting time to make up for it. That lookback continues for each newly listed Black patient to see if they, too, should have been referred sooner.

  • fishos@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    Sickle cell anemia would like a word. Some diseases are absolutely more prevalent in certain races. The problem is we as a society fail to distinguish between “being racist” and “acknowledging differences”. You point out differences and suddenly you’re racist, even if it is relevant. In this case, it seems not to be relevant and is good it is being removed. But let’s not pretend there aren’t factual reasons for it to exist in some crcumstances.

    Another example is pulse oxygen monitors being worse on melonated skin. It’s a result of the physical properties of the skin. Is it racist to acknowledge this and have different method for people with different skin types? Absolutely not.

    Not everything is an identity issue. And it’s not “your platform” you egotistical prick. Fuck off yourself.

    • girlfreddy@lemmy.caOP
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      8 months ago

      Another example is pulse oxygen monitors being worse on melonated skin. It’s a result of the physical properties of the skin.

      Bullshit. The problem is the creators of devices only tested them on white people so didn’t adjust for differing refractive properties in coloured skin. Same goes with motion-detecting faucets.

      Stop blaming the victim ffs.