transplant.donor

Hello,
     I just had a question about donating organs. There is someone very close to me who will be needing a new kidney while in his late twenties- early thirties. I have promised him that if its possible my kidney will go to him. What Im curious about is this. We have the same blood type and I am a pretty healthy person. Is a match in blood type the only thing that really matters? I would really appreciate someone lettine me know.
  ~God bless

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

To be able to donate your kidney, a complete medical history and a physical examination are done. Aside from these, a series of laboratory and X-ray tests, as well as an EKG, will be completed to screen for kidney function, liver function, hepatitis, heart disease, lung disease and past exposure to viral illness. Urine testing will also be done to make sure that your kidneys function normally. In addition, medical clearance for pre-existing conditions, will need to be submitted to the living donor team for review. Other tests may be necessary depending on the results of these studies.

A CT angiogram (a computerized tomography, or CTA) scan will also be completed.  These tests help determine if your urinary tract, kidneys, and the blood vessels leading to the kidneys are normal. These procedures may be done in the hospital on an outpatient basis. You will also meet with a surgeon and complete a psychosocial evaluation with a clinical social worker. All results from the entire evaluation process will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee who decides whether you are able to safely proceed with the donation.

I hope this helps. Take care and regards.

[andrson07]

Thank you so much this is a great help. We will be getting started soon I think Im very afraid but this person is my life. I just cant stand to see him on dialysis...thank you for your help and sharing your knowledge with me.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

You are most welcome. Your friend is really very lucky to have you in his life. Update us and post if you have other queries regarding this matter.

Take care always and God bless