HOW DO YOU KNOW IT IS SAFE FOR A PERSON TO DONATE A KIDNEY A kidney donor must be absolutely healthy, and therefore, must complete an extensive assessment to ensure that risks to them are minimal, and to maximize the chances of a successful transplant. The majority of the assessment can be done in the potential donor’s community. What does the assessment process consist of? The assessment process consists of four stages: 1. Compatibility bloodwork This is to ensure the donor and recipient are compatible by looking at blood types, antibodies, and to rule out potential donor viruses such as Hepatitis or HIV. 2. Laboratory and x-ray studies This stage consists of doing further laboratory tests such as bloodwork, blood pressures, urine collections, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a chest-xray to ensure that the donor is healthy. An ultrasound will also be done to assess the health and function of the kidneys. 3. Consultations with the living donor transplant team Members of the transplant team include a transplant nephrologist (kidney specialist), transplant surgeon, clinical coordinator/nurse clinician, social worker, and psychologist. The potential donor must travel to the nearest transplant centre for these consultations. 4. Renal angiogram The final test is a renal angiogram which is performed to look at the blood vessels of the kidneys. This is done only when all other tests show that the potential donor is healthy and willing to proceed with the donation. The assessment process is designed to ensure that the physical and psychological risks to the potential donor are thoroughly explored. The safety and health of the donors are our greatest concerns, and a potential donor may be excluded if it is believed that they are at increased medical or emotional risk. What about the recovery time after the surgery? The recovery time is approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Different individuals recover at different rates, and some may take shorter or longer to fully recover from the surgery. If the donor has a physically demanding job, a longer period of time off work may be required.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 13:52:59 +0000
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