Living Donor Kidney Transplant Evaluation

In order to qualify as a living donor, an individual must be:

  • Physically fit.
  • In good general health.
  • Free from substantial high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease.
  • Between 21 and 60 years old.
  • Factors such as gender and ethnicity are not considered in determining a successful match.

Potential donors undergo extensive testing to determine if they are able to become a living donor. These tests include:

  • Tissue typing and blood tests.
  • Blood pressure testing.
  • Physical examination and review of medical history.
  • Urine studies.
  • Chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG).
  • Kidney imaging—called a CT angiogram—determines if the donor has normal kidneys and helps the surgeon determine which kidney will be used for the transplant.

For more information, please view our patient guide.

Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.

Request an Appointment

Kidney Transplant Clinical Trials

Kidney Patient Guide