Once the pre-transplant evaluations are complete, the patient's information is presented to the multidisciplinary transplant committee. The decision to accept a candidate is made by consensus of the committee based on the results of testing and opinions provided by team members. The possible outcomes are below:
In this case, all your evaluation results have returned indicating that you’re a suitable candidate for kidney transplantation. We’ll add you to the wait-list, and if you have a potential living donor, we suggest you ask him or her to contact our department so we may begin their evaluation process.
This is done based on an individual’s medical condition. For example, candidates may need a colonoscopy, or female candidates may require a mammogram and pap-smear. Some abnormalities discovered through diagnostic testing may require a specialist, such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. Other patients may require additional radiological testing.
Almost all transplant centers in the United States require six months of complete sobriety before patients can be considered for transplantation. If you have a history of substance abuse we may require you to attend substance abuse counseling before being listed for a kidney transplant. Our social worker will discuss this situation with you as necessary.
Certain issues may disqualify you from receiving a kidney transplant. If you are declined, our physician will talk to you about your options. Some of the reasons for being declined may be:
