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A kidney transplant is offered to people who have end-stage renal disease or those who are rapidly approaching end-stage renal disease, who would receive a preemptive transplant. The Hume-Lee Transplant Center will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine your transplant candidacy. Your dedicated team of experts will guide you through the evaluation process. This team includes:
At the time of your initial appointment, you will meet many of the team members. You will be given a large amount of information that day, and we recommend that you bring a family member or friend with you. The initial appointment may last several hours.
All individuals must have the following tests:
Additional tests may be required during or after the initial evaluation, depending upon your medical history. Additional tests and images may include:
Once you have completed the medical evaluation and are found to be an acceptable candidate for transplant, your information is sent to your insurance company for approval. Once we have obtained financial clearance, your name will be placed on the waiting list. Your transplant coordinator will notify you and your dialysis center or nephrologists.
Once your renal disease has progressed to the point that your kidneys are no longer able to perform the normal functions of a healthy kidney, you will be “listed” — meaning you have been placed on a national waiting list for a deceased donor kidney transplant.
A frequently asked question is “How long will I wait for a kidney?” Unfortunately, we cannot determine that exactly. National waiting time is currently four to six years on average. The United Network for Organ Sharing designates how deceased organs are distributed. Waiting times vary from patient to patient due to individual medical conditions, genetic characteristics and sensitivity of the patient.
Once you are on the transplant list, you will need to be seen yearly to update your tests and ensure you remain healthy for a kidney transplant.
Your transplant coordinator will send a letter notifying you, your dialysis center and your nephrologist when you have been listed.