People with HIV can safely receive donated kidneys from deceased donors with the virus, according to a large study that comes as the U.S. government moves to expand the practice. That could shorten the wait for organs for all, regardless of HIV status.

“Our study demonstrates overwhelmingly that kidney transplantation from donors who are HIV positive to HIV-positive recipients is safe and effective,” said study senior investigator and transplant surgeon Dr. Dorry Segev. He's vice chair of surgery at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City.

A groundbreaking U.S. study has confirmed that people living with HIV can safely receive kidney transplants from donors who also have the virus. This finding could drastically reduce overall wait times for organs,

Kidney transplants between people with HIV are safe and effective, according to a new study. The procedure should be expanded outside of academic settings to help with the national shortage of donor kidneys, the researchers say. Above, a surgical technician prepares a donated kidney for transportation.

The availability of such kidney transplants outside of the research setting could substantially improve organ availability for patients with HIV.