Living organ donation dates back to 1954 when doctors in Boston, MA successfully transplanted the kidney of one twin into his identical twin brother.  Today, the number of living organ donors is more than 6,000 per year. One in four of these donors isn’t  is not biologically related to the recipient.

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, but donors usually have a blood type compatible with the intended recipient. There is a type of donation called “Blood Type Incompatibility” that allows candidates to receive a kidney from a living donor who has an incompatible blood type. To prevent immediate rejection of the kidney, recipients undergo plasmapheresis treatments before and after the transplant to remove harmful antibodies from the blood, as well as the removal of the spleen at the time of transplant.

Routine tests are also always performed to determine the potential donor's level of physical and mental health, and compatibility with the patient awaiting a transplant.

Transplant centers must also implement a written living donor informed consent process that informs the prospective living donor of all aspects of and potential outcomes from living donation.

To begin the process of becoming a Living Donor, contact your nearest transplant center.

Organs

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: