Kidney Transplantation and Dialysis Program

Living Donor Kidney Transplant

A living donor kidney can come from someone who is related (eg, parent, brother or sister) or unrelated (eg, friend) to your child.

The donor must undergo an evaluation process, as well. The evaluation includes:

Initial blood type and tissue typing, blood crossmatch with potential recipient (arranged through transplant coordinator)
A visit to his or her primary doctor for a physical examination that includes height, weight, pulse and blood pressure measurement
A gynecological examination and Pap smear for all women
A mammogram for all women over 35
Urine sample and culture
24-hour urine collections, done twice (All urine in a 24-hour period must be collected for accurate results)
Blood work
PSA for males over 45 years of age
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Chest X-ray
KUB X-ray (kidneys, ureters, bladder)

After the donor has completed these steps and the lab results have been reviewed, the next phase includes:

An appointment with a nephrologist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), for physical exam and discussion as a potential donor
An appointment with a CHOP consultant social worker for evaluation and assessment
Renal ultrasound
Renal angiogram
An appointment with the donor surgeon (Division of Urology) to discuss surgical options

If the donor and your child are found to be compatible, the transplant date will be scheduled at the end of this process.

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Reviewed by: Bernard S. Kaplan, MB, BCh, FAAP
Date: July 2005