What To Know To Become a Kidney Donor

1. Basic Eligibility

• ☐ Age generally between 18–65 (varies by transplant center)

• ☐ In good overall physical and mental health

• ☐ No major chronic illnesses (uncontrolled diabetes, serious heart disease, active cancer, etc.)

• ☐ Healthy kidney function

• ☐ Not significantly overweight (center-specific BMI requirements)

• ☐ No active substance abuse

• ☐ Not pregnant during evaluation or surgery

• ☐ Reliable support system for after surgery

🔍 2. Blood Type & Compatibility

• ☐ Know your blood type

• ☐ Must be compatible with the recipient

• For this case: Recipient is O-Positive

• Acceptable donor types: O+ or O-

• ☐ Understand that if you are not a match, paired exchange may still be possible (donor chain programs)

🧪 3. Initial Screening

• ☐ Health questionnaire

• ☐ Telephone or online interview with transplant coordinator

• ☐ Review of medical history, medications, lifestyle

• ☐ Basic blood and urine tests

• ☐ Blood pressure check

🧬 4. Full Medical Evaluation

(If initial screening is acceptable)

• ☐ Comprehensive blood work

• ☐ Kidney function testing

• ☐ CT scan or MRI of kidneys

• ☐ EKG and chest X-ray

• ☐ Glucose tolerance testing (for diabetes risk)

• ☐ Infectious disease screening

• ☐ Urinalysis and 24-hour urine collection

• ☐ Physical exam with transplant team

• ☐ Psychological evaluation (to ensure donor feels supported and prepared)

📄 5. Consultations

• ☐ Transplant surgeon

• ☐ Nephrologist

• ☐ Social worker

• ☐ Independent Donor Advocate (assigned to protect donor’s interests)

• ☐ Financial counselor (donor never pays for evaluation or surgery—recipient’s insurance covers it)

🏥 6. Pre-Surgery Requirements

• ☐ Stop smoking (if applicable)

• ☐ Adjust or pause certain medications if required

• ☐ Arrange time off work (typically 4–6 weeks)

• ☐ Plan transportation and home support

• ☐ Complete final lab work

• ☐ Confirm surgery date and instructions

🛌 7. The Surgery

• ☐ Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure (most common)

• ☐ 2–3 hours in the operating room

• ☐ Hospital stay usually 1–3 days

• ☐ Donor kidney transplanted the same day

💚 8. Recovery Checklist

• ☐ Take prescribed pain medication as needed

• ☐ Avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks

• ☐ Gradually return to normal activity

• ☐ Follow-up appointments at:

• 1–2 weeks

• 6 months

• 1 year

• 2 years

• ☐ Maintain a healthy lifestyle long-term (hydration, exercise, routine medical care)

📌 9. Important Facts for Donors

• ☐ Donors keep one healthy kidney, which enlarges and functions well

• ☐ Normal lifespan and quality of life after donation

• ☐ Donation does not affect ability to have children after recovery

• ☐ Donor’s evaluation and surgery costs are covered by recipient’s insurance

• ☐ Federal laws protect donors from job discrimination for donation

• ☐ Many states offer tax breaks or reimbursement for travel, lodging, or lost wages

🙏 10. Final Questions to Consider

• ☐ Do I feel emotionally comfortable with donating?

• ☐ Do I understand the risks and benefits?

• ☐ Do I have trusted people to support me during recovery?

• ☐ Am I prepared to take time off?