What can disqualify you from donating a kidney?
As a general rule, you should be 18 years or older . You must also have normal kidney function . There are some medical conditions that could prevent you from being a living donor . These include having uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, HIV, hepatitis, or acute infections .
How is the donor kidney tested to see whether it is suitable?
There are three main blood tests to check for compatibility between donor and recipient: Blood type test. This makes sure your blood type and the recipient’s blood type are a good match. Crossmatch test.
Can kidney grow back after donation?
As long as the donor is evaluated thoroughly and cleared for donation, he or she can lead a normal life after the surgery. When the kidney is removed, the single normal kidney will increase in size to compensate for the loss of the donated kidney.
How long is kidney donor test?
This test involves a series of two blood tests taken over a period of two hours. At the beginning of the series you will come to the hospital in the morning and have a blood test before eating anything. You will then be asked to drink a very sweet drink containing glucose and the blood test is repeated after two hours.
Can you live a healthy life with one kidney?
Most people live normal, healthy lives with one kidney. However, it’s important to stay as healthy as possible, and protect the only kidney you have.
What kind of tests do you have to take to become a kidney donor?
The following are examples of some of the tests you may be asked to complete as part of the evaluation for becoming a living kidney donor: Chest X-Ray and Electrocardiogram (EKG): These tests screen for heart and lung disease. Depending upon your age and medical history, further testing may be needed.
What does it mean to be a living kidney donor?
Living Donor Evaluation The evaluation process is meant to protect you. It ensures that you are healthy enough to donate a kidney. While there are inherent risks of living donation and with any surgery, the rigorous evaluation process provides a systematic way of determining any specific, known risks to you.
What happens if you do not want to donate a kidney?
If at any point in the evaluation process you decide that you do not want to donate your kidney, your living donor transplant team can help you decline in a way that preserves the family relationships. How do I start the process to see if I can donate a kidney?
What does a psychological evaluation of a kidney donor do?
Psychological evaluation The transplant team makes sure that each donor is in good mental health and understands the donation process. They will educate you about all aspects of living donation and make sure you are able to make an informed decision.
What kind of test do you need to donate a kidney?
If you want to be a living donor, you will need to have a medical exam with blood tests to be sure you are healthy enough to donate a kidney. Some of the tests needed may include:
How can you tell if someone is a good kidney donor?
Blood type test. This makes sure your blood type and the recipient’s blood type are a good match. Crossmatch test. Doctors mix a sample of your blood with a sample of the recipient’s to see how they react. This makes sure they don’t have antibodies that will cause their body to attack your kidney.
What happens if you do not want to be a living kidney donor?
All conversations between the living donor and the transplant team and the results of medical testing will be kept confidential. If at any point in the evaluation process you decide that you do not want to donate your kidney, your living donor transplant team can help you decline in a way that preserves the family relationships.
Psychological evaluation The transplant team makes sure that each donor is in good mental health and understands the donation process. They will educate you about all aspects of living donation and make sure you are able to make an informed decision.