What is ESRD?
People with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have kidneys that over time lose their ability to function or work correctly. When a person’s kidneys function is at 15% or less, that person is diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, a person will not live long.
What is transplant?
A transplant is major surgery which puts one person’s kidney (a donor kidney) into another person’s body. The donor kidney must be compatible with blood and tissue in order for the donated kidney to work.
What are the types of transplant?
Deceased Donor kidney: A kidney is donated from a person who has died and then had their organs removed for donation.
Living Donor kidney: A kidney is donated from a person who is still alive and has chosen to donate. People who can choose to donate include parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, wives, husbands, friends, or co-workers.
What are the Selection Criteria for Recipients?
Recipients must meet certain requirements in order to be considered for a transplant. These requirements are based on a person’s health and well-being. Call the transplant center to learn more about the requirements.
What is the process for Recipients in the Transplant Evaluation?
An application is required which must include information from the patient’s medical record. Once the Transplant Coordinator has decided that a patient meets the Selection Criteria, insurance information will be verified. After attending a class to learn about transplants, the patient must complete tests and meet with people on the Transplant Team to determine if a transplant is the best decision for the patient.
What tests does the Transplant Evaluation include?
Some of the tests that are required for an evaluation include blood work, urine samples, ultrasounds, x-rays, and stress tests.