Give the Gift of Life Through Kidney Donation

Living kidney donation is when a healthy person donates one of their kidneys to someone who needs a kidney transplant. A person can generally live with one healthy kidney, but every potential donor must undergo a detailed medical assessment before donation can be considered.

Not everyone who wants to donate will be medically suitable. Potential donors are assessed individually. Factors such as overall health, kidney function, medical history, blood pressure and other health conditions may be considered by the transplant team.

Potentially. Living kidney donation may be possible between relatives, partners, friends or other suitable donors. The donor and recipient must undergo the appropriate medical and compatibility assessments.

In some donation systems, non-directed living donation may be possible. The rules and requirements vary by country and transplant programme. Speak with an authorised transplant centre to understand the options available to you.

The evaluation can include blood tests, urine tests, blood pressure measurements, kidney-function tests, imaging scans and other medical assessments. Potential donors may also receive psychological or social evaluation as part of the donation process.

If a donor is not directly compatible with the intended recipient, the transplant team may discuss other options. Depending on the country and programme, kidney paired donation may be one possible option.

Kidney removal from a living donor is performed by a specialist surgical team. Many transplant centres use minimally invasive or keyhole surgical techniques, although the exact procedure depends on the donor and the transplant centre.

Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the surgical approach, general health and individual circumstances. Your transplant team will provide personalised instructions about returning to normal activities, work and exercise.

Many people live healthy and active lives with one functioning kidney. However, living donation is a major medical decision and requires appropriate medical assessment and long-term follow-up.

Kidney donation is major surgery and, like other operations, carries potential risks. These can include surgical complications, infection, pain and other medical risks. Your transplant team should explain the risks and benefits based on your individual health.

Yes. Follow-up care is an important part of living kidney donation. Your transplant team will provide guidance about monitoring your health and kidney function after donation.

A potential donor should only proceed voluntarily and after receiving appropriate information and support. If you have concerns or no longer wish to donate, speak privately with your donor coordinator or transplant team.

No. Donor eligibility must be determined by an appropriately qualified transplant medical team. This site provides information and helps people understand the donation journey, but medical decisions must be made by qualified healthcare professionals.

Start by speaking with an authorised transplant centre or living donor coordinator. They can explain the process, eligibility requirements, medical assessment and next steps for your situation.