Living Kidney Donation
Become a Living Kidney Donor
One healthy kidney can be enough to live a full, active life. Donating your other kidney could give someone with kidney failure the chance to live without dialysis.
Rather than waiting years for a kidney from a deceased donor, living kidney donation can help someone receive a transplant sooner. At UVA Health, our dedicated living donor team puts your health, safety, and independence first throughout every step of the process.
Why Consider Living Kidney Donation?
For someone with kidney failure, a living donor kidney can provide another path to transplant.
Benefits may include:
- Receiving a transplant sooner
- Reducing or potentially avoiding time on dialysis
- Planning surgery once the donor and recipient are medically ready
- A kidney that often begins working quickly after transplant
- A donated kidney that may function longer than one from a deceased donor
Benefits more than one person by increasing transplant opportunities for others on the waitlist
- Living kidney donation can be a rewarding and meaningful experience, with most donors reporting they would choose to donate again
You don't have to be related to someone to donate a kidney to them. Living donors can be family members, friends, acquaintances, or people who choose to donate to someone they have never met.
Could I Become a Living Kidney Donor?
Potential living kidney donors must be at least 18 years old and healthy enough to donate safely. Every potential donor completes a comprehensive medical and psychosocial evaluation and is supported by an independent living donor advocate dedicated to protecting their rights and interests.
Certain health conditions may prevent you from donating, but eligibility is determined individually. You don't need to know whether you qualify before reaching out. Our living donor team will help you understand the requirements and determine whether donation may be an option for you.
What If I'm Not a Match?
Want to donate to someone you know but aren't compatible? You may still be able to help them receive a kidney transplant.
Paired Kidney Exchange
Paired kidney exchange connects donors and recipients who don't match with each other pairs with other donor/recipient pairs. Instead of donating directly to the person you wanted to help, you donate to another compatible recipient, while another donor provides a compatible kidney for your intended recipient.
This can create a chain of living donor transplants and help multiple people receive compatible kidneys. Our transplant team will discuss the options available based on compatibility testing and your individual circumstances.
Voucher Donation
Voucher donation is another way to receive a living donor kidney transplant. Once a donor is approved for surgery, they can choose the best time for their kidney donation. After donating, the donor gives their recipient a voucher, which allows them to receive a kidney from a living donor through the National Kidney Registry (NKR) when they're ready for a transplant.
What to Expect from the Living Kidney Donor Evaluation
The evaluation process is designed first and foremost to protect you. It helps our team decide whether kidney donation can be performed safely and gives you the information you need to decide whether donation is right for you.
Your evaluation may include:
- A review of your medical and family history
- Blood and urine testing
- Blood typing
- Tissue typing and compatibility testing
- Imaging of your kidneys
- Heart and other health testing when appropriate
- Age-appropriate health screenings
- Meetings with members of the living donor team
Your donor team focuses specifically on your health and well-being. You'll also have an independent living donor advocate who helps protect your rights and interests throughout the process.
Completing the evaluation does not commit you to becoming a donor.
Paired Kidney Donor Exchange: Veronica & Ron's Story
When Veronica found out she needed a kidney transplant, she and her husband Ron became part of UVA Health's first paired donor exchange programs.
Living Kidney Donation Surgery
Most living kidney donor surgeries at UVA Health are performed using minimally invasive techniques when appropriate.
During surgery, one kidney is removed and prepared for transplant into the recipient. Your surgeon will explain the recommended approach, potential risks, and what you can expect before you decide whether to go ahead.
Kidney donation is major surgery and carries potential risks. Your team will discuss these risks with you in detail as part of the evaluation and informed consent process.
Recovery After Kidney Donation
Recovery is different for everyone. Most kidney donors stay in the hospital for approximately one to two days after surgery.
You'll have temporary activity restrictions while your body heals. Many donors plan to return to work about four to six weeks after surgery, although people with physically demanding jobs may need more recovery time.
Your living donor team will continue to follow your health after donation. Long-term routine care with your primary care provider is also important for protecting the health of your remaining kidney.
What Does Living Kidney Donation Cost?
The recipient's insurance generally covers medical costs associated with your donor evaluation, donation surgery, and immediate follow-up care.
Other expenses, such as travel, lodging, childcare, or lost wages, may not automatically be covered. Financial assistance may be available to eligible donors, and our team can help you understand potential expenses and available resources before you make your decision.
Your Decision Is Always Yours
Becoming a living kidney donor is completely voluntary. You can ask questions, take time to think about your decision, or stop the evaluation process at any point. Your personal medical information and reasons for deciding not to donate will remain confidential.
Our role is to protect your health and give you the information and support you need to make the decision that is right for you.
Thinking About Becoming a Living Kidney Donor?
The first step is simply learning more. Our living donor team can answer your questions, explain what to expect, and help determine whether living kidney donation may be an option for you.