Kidney Pre-Transplant Evaluations
To be considered as a candidate for kidney transplantation, you will first undergo a thorough transplant evaluation. During this two-day process, the transplant team will be looking for medical and/or emotional conditions that would affect the chances for a successful transplant. You will have numerous consultations of members of the team. You will also have a series of tests which may include:
- Blood tests
- Heart tests
- Ultrasound and/or CAT scan
- Dental exam
- Complete physical exam
- Referral to other medical providers such as psychology, cardiology, etc.
Upon completion of your evaluation, the multidisciplinary transplant team will carefully review all the information from the evaluation and give their recommendation of the best treatment option for you. You will then be contacted by a transplant coordinator to discuss your plan of care.
Blood Testing
The following blood tests will be performed as part of your pre-transplant evaluation:
ABO
This test shows your blood type (A, B, AB, O). Your blood type needs to match or be compatible with the blood type of the donor.
HLA Tissue Typing
HLA reveals a set of antigens. Antigens are inherited from each parent. The HLA typing helps the transplant surgeon to find the best match with a potential donor.
Waiting for Your Transplant
The amount of time you wait for a transplant varies depending upon the blood type, antibody level, medical condition, number of other patients on the waiting list and the availability of donor organs. Some patients have waited only one day; others have waited months to years. Throughout this process, your transplant team will be there to answer your questions and keep you updated on your wait list status.
If you have an advanced kidney disease and are on the waiting list for a new organ, we strongly encourage you to ask your friends, family and loved ones to be tested to become a living donor. Start the process either by learning more about living donors, or if press the button below to fill out the living donor form.
