Saving lives together
Select Page

Frequently asked questions

What is living donation?

An alternative for individuals awaiting organ transplantation from a deceased donor, living donation takes place when a living person donates an organ or part of an organ for transplantation to another person. Living donation usually involves a single kidney, a segment of the liver, the lobe of one lung, a portion of the pancreas or a portion of the intestine.

What organs can be donated by living donors?

Living donor transplants are a viable alternative for patients in need of new organs. Many different types of organs can be supplied by living donors, including:

  • kidney
    This is the most frequent type of living organ donation. All living kidney donors will experience a decrease in their kidney function, which varies depending on the donor’s age and medical history.
  • liver
    Individuals can donate a segment of the liver, which has the ability to regenerate and regain full function.
  • lung
    Although lung lobes do not regenerate, individuals can donate a lobe of one lung.
  • intestine
    Although very rare, it is possible to donate a portion of your intestine.
  • pancreas
    Individuals can also donate a portion of the pancreas.
  • heart
    A domino transplant makes some heart-lung recipients living heart donors. When a patient receives a heart-lung “bloc” from a deceased donor, his or her healthy heart may be given to an individual waiting for a heart transplant. Extremely rare, this procedure is used when physicians determine that the deceased donor lungs will function best if they are used in conjunction with the deceased donor heart.

What are the advantages of living donation over non-living donation?

Living donor transplants have many advantages. For example, some living donor transplants are done between family members who are genetically similar. A better genetic match lessens the risk of rejection. In addition, potential donors undergo a battery of tests to make sure they are healthy.

What are the qualifications for living donors?

In order to qualify as a living donor, an individual must be physically fit, in good general health, and free from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. Individuals considered for living donation are usually between 18-60 years of age. Gender and race are not factors in determining a successful match. The living donor must first undergo a blood test to determine blood type compatibility with the recipient. If the donor and recipient have compatible blood types, the donor undergoes a medical history review and a complete physical examination.

The decision to become a living donor is a voluntary one, and the donor may change his or her mind at any time during the process. The donor’s decision and reasons are kept confidential.

What are the costs related to living donation?

Most medical costs associated with living donation are covered by the recipient’s insurance. The government requires all certified transplant centers to charge a recipient’s insurance an “acquisition fee” when he or she receives a transplant. The medical costs related to the donor’s medical evaluation, transplant procedure and postoperative care, called the “donor protocol” are covered by this fee. Anything that falls outside of this protocol is not covered. These costs could include annual physicals, travel, lodging, lost-wages and other non-medical expenses. Learn more about living donation costs >

Will I be entitled to disability pay?

If your job provides disability insurance coverage, then you will most likely be entitled to disability pay. Check with your employer.

Is there risk with living donation?

All patients experience some pain and discomfort after a surgical procedure. And as with any major operation, there are risks involved. It is possible for kidney donors to develop infections or bleeding and when a portion of the liver or pancreas is donated, the liver or spleen may be injured.

What is involved in becoming a living donor?

Living donation is arranged through individual transplant centers according to their protocols.

Do some people have trouble making the decision to become a living organ donor?

Yes. Although some people can easily make this decision, many go through a bit of soul-searching before deciding. It’s very normal to be afraid of giving away part of your body and to experience guilt about not wanting to be a donor.

Will I require a blood transfusion during my surgery?

Although blood transfusion during this surgery is uncommon, it may be necessary. As a precaution, you may be asked to donate one or two units of your own blood before the surgery. If you do need a transfusion, your own blood can be used.

Can someone with herpes become a donor?

Having herpes does not absolutely rule someone out for donation, but the disease should be well-suppressed at the time of donation.

Will donating a kidney prevent you from becoming pregnant?

Although studies have shown that kidney donation does not affect the completion of a safe pregnancy and childbirth, it is typically recommended to wait to become pregnant at least six months after surgery.

Be sure to talk with your physician or gynecologist about your interest in donation and the effect it could have on future pregnancies.

Should I stop smoking before my surgery?

You must stop smoking to be a donor, even if you are a light smoker. Smokers have an increased risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary complications with any surgery.

Should I stop drinking alcohol?

If you are going to be a donor, it is best that you stop drinking. If you have a history of heavy
alcohol use, it is very important that you tell your physicians. Alcohol use may not prevent you from being a donor. You should not return to drinking alcohol after surgery until advised it is safe to do so by the transplant team.

Should I stop taking my medication(s) before the evaluation or the surgery?

You should not stop any prescription medication unless advised to do so by a physician. Be sure to tell your transplant physician and team about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking.

What should I bring with me to the hospital?

You should only bring minimal belongings like a basic toiletry bag for your use in the hospital. Because the hospital will already have your insurance information, there is no need to bring any documentation unless you are specifically asked. Leave all jewelry or other valuables at home or give them to your family for safekeeping.

If I am cleared to be a donor, how is it decided when the transplant will take place?

This decision is made jointly by the transplant team, by you, and by the recipient. The transplant
team, particularly the physicians involved directly in your recipient’s care, will determine as
accurately as possible the best time to do the transplant, based on the recipient’s medical condition.

Once the transplant is scheduled, will it definitely happen?

A number of events could happen that may change the date of the transplant. For example, the recipient’s condition might deteriorate to the point where he or she is too sick for a transplant. Or, the recipient or donor might develop an infection or some other condition that would need to be treated before the transplant could be done.

Reference and Publication Information

This Web site is intended solely for the purpose of electronically providing the public with general health-related information and convenient access to the data resources. UNOS is not affiliated with any one product nor does UNOS assume responsibility for any error, omissions or other discrepancies.

UNOS proudly recognizes sponsors whose generosity helps make our lifesaving mission possible.
Learn about sponsorships and our editorial standards.
Walgreens
Share This