There are several important reasons why living donation may be a good option for potential recipients. For some transplant candidates, a living donation can be a life-prolonging option. Typically, there is about a three-to-five year wait for a deceased donor kidney. Unfortunately, not all patients will remain healthy for that long and look to a living kidney transplantation as their only option.
Most people over the age of 21 (in some cases, over the age of 18) who are in good general health and have normal kidney function and anatomy can become kidney donors. Although relatives often offer a better genetic match for the recipient, thanks to improvements in anti-rejection medications, we can now allow both related and unrelated people to donate, with nearly identical outcomes in most cases.
Once you contact the transplant center expressing interest in donating, you will receive a welcome letter with a one page questionnaire to complete. Our center requires donors to have their own health insurance. The work up and surgery is covered by the recipient's insurance, however potential donors must have their own insurance to treat any medical issues found during the work up.
After donation, no ongoing medications are needed. Kidney function and urinalysis should be monitored annually and donors are encouraged to avoid weight gain, diabetes and hypertension.
For more information, check out our Guide to Living Kidney Donation.
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