Your Path to Transplant

Become Eligible for Transplant

• Verify eligibility based on eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and creatinine levels through blood tests, typically requiring an eGFR of 20% or a creatinine level around 2.8.

• Collect and organize required medical test results, including cancer screenings, as part of the pre-transplant work-up process to ensure readiness for evaluation.

• Consider ordering the Creatinine blood test to assess eligibility for the transplant list earlier, especially if nearing the threshold levels.

Find and Apply to Hospitals with Shorter Waiting Times

• Utilize Transplant Coach to understand waiting times by kidney transplant centers and submit one verified application to maximize your listing options. Compare short-wait centers first.

• Be aware of the accumulating waiting time per center, which starts from either the date of dialysis initiation or the listing date, whichever occurs earlier.

Attend Evaluation at the Transplant Center

Meet your Transplant Team:

• The Financial Coordinator verifies insurance coverage and facilitates pre-authorization for transplant.

• The Social Worker evaluates mental and emotional preparedness for the transplant journey and provides necessary support and resources.

• The Nephrologist confirms the kidney condition and assesses overall health status to determine transplant candidacy.

• The Dietician discusses pre- and post-transplant dietary requirements tailored to individual needs.

• The Transplant Coordinator reviews medical history, facilitates UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) listing, and coordinates additional tests or evaluations as needed.

Await the committee review meeting, during which the case will be presented and discussed for further evaluation and decision-making.

Keep Your Testing up to Date

• Undergo yearly check-ups to maintain list eligibility and ensure continued suitability for transplantation, including monitoring renal function and overall health.

• Submit a monthly PRA kit blood draw to the transplant center to facilitate matching with potential donors, as timely and accurate information is crucial for organ allocation and matching processes.

• Ensure prompt submission of required documents and test results to comply with transplant center protocols and facilitate efficient evaluation and decision-making processes.

• Arrange transportation, considering the warm/cold ischemic time for the kidney, which can be up to 24 hours, and plan to reach your transplant center within 5-7 hours on a short notice.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

Receive the Transplant!

• Upon receiving the transplant offer, follow the transplant center's instructions for preparation and admission, and undergo the transplant surgery as scheduled.

• Admission and surgery might take 15 hours or longer, followed by 1 week in the hospital and up to 6 weeks of out-patient recovery in the nearby hospital.

Complete Post-Transplant Follow up

• Follow instructions from transplant health professionals regarding medication management, dietary restrictions, lifestyle modifications, and follow-up care to promote successful recovery and long-term graft survival.

• Stay proactive in maintaining health, attend scheduled follow-up appointments, and promptly address any concerns or complications to ensure optimal post-transplant outcomes