Kidney Transplant Evaluation & Waiting List

A kidney transplant evaluation helps determine whether transplantation is a safe and correct treatment option for you.

It's also your opportunity to learn about kidney transplant, meet your care team, ask questions, and understand the different paths that may be available.

Start Your Evaluation Close to Home

UVA Health offers several ways to begin the kidney transplant evaluation process.

Depending on your needs and location, you may be able to start your evaluation in Charlottesville, Arlington, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Wytheville, Martinsville, or Newport News. Telehealth appointments may also be available.

Once we receive your referral, our team will help determine which evaluation option works best for you.

Meet Your Kidney Transplant Team

Kidney transplantation involves much more than surgery.

Throughout your evaluation and transplant journey, you may work with:

• Transplant nephrologists
• Transplant surgeons
• Transplant coordinators
• Living donor coordinators
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Financial coordinators
• Dietitians
• Pharmacists
• Other specialists as needed

Your transplant coordinator will help guide you through the evaluation, including scheduling, obtaining test results, and communicating with your referring provider or dialysis team.

What Testing Will I Need?

The testing you need depends on your health and medical history.

Your evaluation may include:

• Blood tests
• Blood typing and tissue testing
• Testing for certain infections
• An electrocardiogram, or EKG
• An echocardiogram
• A cardiac stress test
• Chest imaging
• Lung testing when needed
• Cancer screenings appropriate for your age and health
• Imaging of your abdomen and pelvis
• Additional specialist evaluations when needed

Some testing may be done at UVA Health, while other testing may be done closer to home.

Your transplant coordinator will explain which tests you need and help you navigate the process.

What Else Is Evaluated?

Successful transplantation depends on more than your physical health.

Your team will also help make sure you are prepared for life after transplant, including:

• Having a reliable care partner
• Having transportation for appointments and medical care
• Understanding your medications
• Planning for transplant-related expenses
• Understanding the importance of follow-up care
• Identifying nutrition and health goals before surgery

What Happens When My Evaluation Is Complete?

Once your evaluation is complete, your case is reviewed by the Kidney Selection Committee.

This multidisciplinary group reviews the information gathered during your evaluation and determines your next steps.

You may be:

• Approved for kidney transplantation
• Asked to complete additional testing
• Asked to address a health concern before moving forward
• Determined not to be a candidate at this time

You, your referring provider, and your dialysis unit, when applicable, will be notified of the team's decision.

What Happens If I Am Approved?

If you are approved for transplantation, your next steps depend on whether you have a living donor or are waiting for a deceased donor kidney.

You may be added to the national kidney transplant waiting list while also exploring living donation.

Staying Ready for Kidney Transplant

While you are waiting, your health may change. You will need regular testing and follow-up to make sure transplantation remains a safe option for you.

It is important to:

• Complete required medical testing
• Attend dialysis as prescribed
• Keep your transplant team informed about changes in your health
• Update your contact and insurance information
• Remain available by phone
• Maintain your care partner and transportation plans

Can I Be Listed at More Than One Transplant Center?

Yes. Patients may be listed at more than one transplant center. This is called multiple listing.

Each transplant center requires its own evaluation and makes its own decision about transplant candidacy. Our team can help share appropriate testing completed at UVA with another transplant center.

Understanding Kidney Offers

When a kidney becomes available, your transplant coordinator will provide information about the organ that can be shared with you.

Depending on the offer, your team may discuss factors such as the Kidney Donor Profile Index, whether the kidney comes from a donation after circulatory death donor, certain donor risk factors, and hepatitis B or hepatitis C status.

Your team will help you understand the potential benefits and risks. You have the right to decline an organ offer.

Getting the Call

An organ offer can happen at any time.

If you are active on the waiting list:

• Keep your phone nearby and answer calls from the transplant team
• Return missed calls quickly
• Have transportation to UVA Health planned
• Have a backup transportation plan
• Keep your care partner prepared
• Make plans for work, children, pets, and other responsibilities
• Keep important medical information and essential items ready

Your transplant coordinator will tell you when and where to come to the hospital for your kidney transplant surgery.

What Is a False Alarm?

Sometimes a transplant is cancelled after you have already been called to the hospital. This can happen if the donor kidney is found not to be suitable for transplantation or circumstances surrounding the donation change.

Although this can be disappointing, the final decision is made with your safety and the quality of the transplant in mind.

At UVA Health we offer different kidney transplant options depending on your condition and the offer.