Breaking the Ice: Tracking Viability in Kidneys
School Name
Center for Advanced Technical Studies
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Engineering
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
This project poses an improved method of storing kidneys in transport. Kidneys, the most commonly transplanted organ, require a specific environment to remain viable for long periods before being transplanted. The engineered prototype will allow physicians to monitor the status of the organ within the cooler. Innovative temperature stabilizing features will allow the cooler to rest at an ideal 4 to 8 degrees celsius. Meters to track pH will be included to determine if the kidney is becoming acidic, alerting transport teams to changes in the kidney’s metabolism. The prototype will be compared against a medical grade cooler in multiple trials to determine if it works at the same level or better than a medical grade cooler. While the cooler is meant to create a better idea of what is occurring inside it during transport, it is also meant to be less expensive to become more accessible for rural hospitals. In addition, many organs are shipped overseas in planes, including kidneys, making it more vital for the transport team to understand what is happening inside the cooler during long-distance transport. The creation of this prototype will allow for a more energy efficient, cost effective, and greater monitored transport system for transporting kidneys.
Recommended Citation
Somerville, Olivia; Mathis, Jenna; and Rutherford, Madeline, "Breaking the Ice: Tracking Viability in Kidneys" (2026). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 4.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2026/all/4
Location
Furman Hall 201
Start Date
3-28-2026 12:15 PM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
Yes
Breaking the Ice: Tracking Viability in Kidneys
Furman Hall 201
This project poses an improved method of storing kidneys in transport. Kidneys, the most commonly transplanted organ, require a specific environment to remain viable for long periods before being transplanted. The engineered prototype will allow physicians to monitor the status of the organ within the cooler. Innovative temperature stabilizing features will allow the cooler to rest at an ideal 4 to 8 degrees celsius. Meters to track pH will be included to determine if the kidney is becoming acidic, alerting transport teams to changes in the kidney’s metabolism. The prototype will be compared against a medical grade cooler in multiple trials to determine if it works at the same level or better than a medical grade cooler. While the cooler is meant to create a better idea of what is occurring inside it during transport, it is also meant to be less expensive to become more accessible for rural hospitals. In addition, many organs are shipped overseas in planes, including kidneys, making it more vital for the transport team to understand what is happening inside the cooler during long-distance transport. The creation of this prototype will allow for a more energy efficient, cost effective, and greater monitored transport system for transporting kidneys.
