Donors for kidney transplants must meet age, weight, compatibility, and health restrictions. They undergo extensive screening, including blood tests, physical and mental health reviews, and medical history examinations. Donors must be of legal age, in good health, and not too old to donate. They must also be willing and not under external pressure. A less comprehensive exam is done a week before surgery. If the donor becomes ill, the procedure may be cancelled.
To be an eligible donor for kidney transplantation, an individual must meet a number of age, weight, compatibility, and health restrictions. The main requirement is that the donor is in good general health, has a blood type that matches the recipient and no history of kidney disease. Donors must also be of legal age to consent, but not too old to donate.
Potential kidney transplant donors are carefully screened before undergoing a donation operation. The process includes blood tests, a general physical and mental health review, and examination of the donor’s medical history. The tests are extensive and can take several weeks to complete.
Three blood tests need to be conducted to determine if there is a match between a donor and a kidney transplant recipient. The first test determines the blood type of the donor. Then, in a process called cross-matching, the donor’s blood is mixed with the recipient’s blood so they can be studied for each other’s reactions. If the blood samples match, the donor blood is retested for diseases and disorders.
Kidney transplant donors must also pass a series of medical tests. They are examined using X-rays, urine tests, computed tomography (CAT), and electrocardiogram (ECG). Donors usually undergo mental exams and counseling to ensure they are capable of handling the operation and its effects. Regular health maintenance tests, including screening for disease, must also be passed.
A kidney transplant donor must be at least 18 years old to legally consent to the operation. Also, the donor must not be over 60 years of age. Depending on the health of the donor, the upper age limit can be relaxed a little.
It also needs to be established whether the donor voluntarily submits to the procedure and does not respond to external pressure or does not donate for reasons that could prove problematic in the future. Donors are often encouraged to educate themselves thoroughly about the process and outcomes of kidney donation to ensure they are making the right decision. It is important that the donor does not make a decision too quickly or base it on an overly emotional reaction to the recipient’s needs.
Another less comprehensive donor exam is typically needed a week before surgery to ensure that the individual is still in good health. If the kidney transplant donor becomes ill at any time before the surgery, the procedure may be cancelled. In some cases, a disease contracted after a successful initial health screening can permanently disqualify a donor.
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