Once doctors feel sure that someone is a good transplant candidate, the search for a new kidney will begin. The donor must be:

• Free from disease, infection, or injury that affects the kidney
• Usually of the same or a compatible blood type (see table below)

BLOOD TYPE COMPATIBILITY CHART

Blood Type Can receive kidney from: Generally can donate a kidney to: O O O, A, B, AB A A, O A, AB B B, O B, AB AB O, A, B, AB AB

There are 3 different kinds of kidney donors:

1. Cadaveric Donor: A cadaver donor kidney (kidney/pancreas) is one that comes from a person who has just died. The family of this person has given permission for the kidneys, and possible other organs, to be donated for someone who needs a transplant.

2. Live Related Donor: A live related donor kidney comes from a blood relative, like a parent, brother, sister, or an adult child. Points to remember:
   • A kidney from a relative will be a better match. This means that there is less chance of rejection and you will not have to take as much (immunosuppressive) medicines.

   • There is no waiting time after the evaluation for a living related transplant unless the donor needs to have some medical problems taken care of.

   • You and the transplant team can plan when you will have the transplant surgery.

   • Fewer people need temporary dialysis after a living related transplant than after a cadaver transplant.

   • The donor will need about 6-8 weeks to recover.

3. Live Unrelated Donor: A live unrelated donor kidney comes from someone who is not related to the person, like a spouse or a friend. Points to remember:
   • There is no waiting time after the evaluation for a living unrelated transplant unless the donor needs to have some medical problems taken care of.

   • You and the transplant team can plan when you will have the transplant surgery.

   • Fewer people need temporary dialysis after a living unrelated transplant than after a cadaver transplant.

   • The donor will need about two months to recover.

   • If you are thinking about a live donor transplant, there is one basic rule: The Donor Must Be Willing To Give You The Kidney Without Pressure From Anyone.

Other information that might be helpful to know

• The donor will not have to pay for the testing or the surgery. This is paid for through your health insurance.

• The donor will need to have 6-8 weeks off from work to recover from the surgery. If the donor has been working before the surgery, it may be possible for them to receive state disability payments while they are recovering.

• The donor will have many tests before the surgery. There will be laboratory tests, x-rays, a physical exam and a visit with the social worker. This testing is done to make sure that the donor is healthy. It helps to limit complications for both the donor and for you.

• The transplant coordinator will arrange for testing of the potential donor.