Frequently Asked Questions About Altruistic Donation

Q. Who can become a donor?
A. Any individual over 18 years of age can indicate their intent to donate. There is no upper age limit, although potential donors greater than age 60 must be of exceptionally good health.

Q. What are the requirements for a donor?
A. The donor must provide the gift out of altruism (unselfish concern for the welfare of others). The medical requirements include (1) excellent overall health, (2) normal renal function, (3) two healthy kidneys, (4) identical blood type with the recipient and (5) a compatible kidney for the recipient.

Q. What is the chance of finding a match?
A. Excellent. Unlike bone marrow donation, where a very close match is required, only a blood type match is necessary for the majority of renal transplants.

Q. What should I do if interested in altruistic kidney donation?
A. Information is available through many sources. You may contact the National Kidney Foundation for further information. Local Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO), which administer organ donation and distribution in the region, can provide information. Finally, you could contact a local transplant center directly. The contact information for the New England Organ Bank and LifeChoice Donor Services (Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT area) is below.

Q. What is the first step?
A. You will be provided with information about altruistic kidney donation. Included in this packet is a brief questionnaire, intended to inform you about live kidney donation and to serve as an initial screening device. If after reviewing this information you remain interested, you will be referred to a transplant center in your area or one of your choosing, where you can discuss the option of altruistic kidney donation and undergo a brief medical interview.

Q. What’s next?
A. Some candidates will be excluded because of medical conditions that pose risk to the donor (heart disease or high blood pressure for example). Others would next undergo routine blood tests, a complete physical exam - usually by a nephrologist (kidney specialist), and a psychological evaluation. The order of testing varies within different transplant centers.

Q. Is any invasive testing required?
A. Potential donors undergo an ultrasound examination of the kidneys. If the results of all tests show that you are a suitable candidate, a CAT scan or angiogram (X-ray picture of the blood vessels) is required. Most centers perform a CAT scan, which requires placing an intravenous line (I.V.) and injecting dye to image the kidneys. Aside from drawing blood, no other invasive tests are required.

Q. How is the recipient chosen?
A. The recipient has to have an identical blood type. He or she is chosen from within the transplant center where you would donate. The recipient is picked based on the suitability of their medical condition, their length of time on dialysis and a suitable match with the donor.

Q. Can I choose the recipient?
A. Altruistic donors who express an interest to donate a kidney to a stranger are termed “non-directed donors” and the recipient is picked by the local transplant center based on the factors previously mentioned. Occasionally, an altruistic donor becomes aware of the medical condition of a specific individual with kidney failure with whom they have had no prior relationship (not a friend or family member). Often it is possible to direct your gift to that individual. This is termed “directed donation” or “Good Samaritan donation”, recalling the altruistic act of the Good Samaritan who came to the assistance of a specific stranger in need.

Q. Are there any costs to me?
A. None of the medical tests, surgery, hospital stay or follow-up would be charged to you. All costs related to donation of organs are paid by the recipient’s insurance. There may be some out of pocket expenses for travel or missed time from work.

Q. How would my kidney be removed?
A. The donor nephrectomy (removal of the kidney) is performed under general anesthesia. There are two methods, open and laparoscopic. In the open technique, the kidney is removed through an incision near the flank (bottom of the rib cage). Alternatively, the kidney can also be removed through an incision above the pubic hair region after preparing the kidney for removal using laparoscopy (surgical telescopes). You can discuss the pros and cons of the two techniques with a surgeon during your evaluation.

Q. How long will I be in the hospital?
A. Donors typically recover on the surgical ward for 2-4 days after the operation.

Q. How long will I be out of work?
A. Plan on 4-6 weeks. Some donors return to light duty after 2 weeks. If your work requires heavy lifting, 6 weeks is a more reasonable goal.

Q. Can I sell my organs?
A. No! The National Organ Transplant Act (Public Law 98-507) makes it illegal to sell human organs and tissues. Violators are subject to fines and imprisonment.

Q. Are there any restrictions after donating a kidney?
A. No. Once you have recovered from the operation there are no restrictions for diet, activity or pregnancy. Medical care should be provided according to standard guidelines for your age.

Q. How will I be followed after surgery?
A. Routine surgical follow-up will be provided 1-2 weeks after the operation. In addition you will visit the transplant clinic 6 and 12 months after surgery for a check-up and evaluation of your renal function.