Kidney Transplant Evaluation
Determining eligibility for transplant
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Kidney Transplant Requirements and the Transplant Process
Before you can become a kidney transplant recipient, our kidney transplant team at Lahey Clinic performs a complete evaluation. You meet with our transplant specialists and receive personalized education. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have. Our pre-transplant nurse coordinators and physicians provide dedicated care and support to you during this time.
The Evaluation Process for Kidney Transplant
During your pre- kidney transplant evaluation, we determine the severity of your condition and whether you:
- Are healthy enough to have surgery
- Have a support system to help you with recovery
- Meet our kidney transplant requirements
We also consider the best plan for your transplant surgery and care after surgery.
Medical Tests Before Kidney Transplantation
Medical tests are part of your evaluation. You may need:
- Blood tests
- Heart and lung tests
- Imaging tests
- Preventive care cancer screenings
- Tests to determine which type of kidney donor you are most compatible with
Getting on the Kidney Transplant List
Once your pre-transplant evaluation is complete, our transplant committee reviews the results. The committee may decide to:
- Accept you for kidney transplantation and place you on the kidney transplant waiting list as an active candidate.
- Accept you for kidney transplantation and place you on the kidney transplant waiting list as an inactive candidate. (This happens when there are pending issues that we outline for you that you must clear.) If you are listed inactive, you will still accrue time on the waitlist.
- Defer you for additional testing, based on your medical condition.
- Determine you are not an appropriate candidate. (In this case, a doctor will talk with you about your options.)
We mail a letter to you announcing the committee’s decision within 10 days of their meeting. The letter will include any recommendations and required follow-up.
What to Expect
Learn more about what to expect as you wait for your new kidney and what happens after your transplant.
Kidney Care at Lahey
At Lahey, we provide kidney care before and after your transplant. You can rely on us for all your medical needs, including dialysis and management of your overall kidney health.
