Kidney transplantation is the best way known to save a person's
life after he or she develops kidney failure. In the past,
kidneys were only taken from living close relatives or from
people who had recently died (cadavers). Transplants from living
donors have a much better chance of success than those from
cadaver donors. Also, the waiting time for a cadaver kidney can
be as long as 4 years in the United States. For this reason,
more people are making the decision to become kidney donors.
Almost anyone can become a kidney donor. A living donor is: If
you decide to become a kidney donor, samples of your blood will
be drawn for testing, including your blood type and other
genetic information (HLA type) to see how well you match the
recipient. These tests will be repeated 7 to 10 days before the
surgery if you decide to become a donor. If your blood type and
genetic information match that of the recipient, you will meet
with social workers at the transplant facility to discuss other
obligations. You will be give