Kidney donor assessment

HOW LONG DOES THE LIVING KIDNEY DONOR ASSESSMENT PROCESS TAKE?

Assessing if you can become a donor usually takes at least three months. However, it may take more or less time depending on where you live, the hospital you are being assessed by, and the types of tests you might require. Wherever possible, the assessment process is tailored around your other commitments like work and travel.

If you are currently in work, most transplant centres will try to arrange the pre-op tests and investigations to minimise disruption to your job. If you live a long way from a transplant centre, it is sometimes possible to arrange for some of the testing to be done more locally for you.

The recovery period after the operation usually lasts between two and 12 weeks, depending on the surgery, your individual recovery time, and the type of work you do (for example, those with a desk-based job may be ready to return to work sooner than those with a very physical job). You should discuss this with your coordinator to get a better estimate of how much time you may need to take off work, based on your own situation.

HEALTH CHECKS BEFORE DONATING A KIDNEY

After you decide that you would like to donate a kidney, there are a number of tests and investigations that are needed to make sure you are healthy enough to give a kidney, that your kidneys are currently working well, and that you are physically and emotionally ready for the donation. The tests and checks can take several months (sometimes longer if further tests are required).

Each transplant centre across the UK has its own list of tests for potential donors. These are based on nationally agreed guidelines and can involve urine and blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, scans, a chest X-ray, and heart tracing. How these tests are done can vary across the country, however your healthcare professional will always discuss these with you before you begin to make sure you are comfortable.

Many people find it helpful to bring someone with them when they meet their healthcare professional, especially at the beginning.

Once your tests are complete, they will be reviewed by healthcare professionals to make sure you are suitable to donate. After this, a meeting will be arranged with the transplant surgeon to discuss the transplant operation. They will give you detailed information and be happy to answer any questions you might have about the surgery and recovery.

Emotional and Psychological Evaluation 

As part of the donor assessment process, you may be offered a psychological evaluation. This is a normal and supportive part of preparing to donate a kidney. It’s not about judging your character or mental health – it’s about making sure you feel confident, well-informed, and supported throughout your decision. 

During the evaluation, you may have a private and confidential conversation with a trained professional. This is your chance to talk openly about anything on your mind – your motivations, any concerns, or whether you feel under pressure from anyone to donate. It’s also a time to ask questions and think through how donation might affect you emotionally, both before and after surgery. 

Everyone’s experience is different, and it’s completely okay to have mixed feelings or uncertainties. What matters is that you have the space and support to explore them. 

Emotional support is available throughout the donation process. Whether you’re just starting out or are further along in your journey, you can always speak to someone. 

FINAL STEPS IN THE LIVING KIDNEY DONOR EVALUATION PROCESS 

Once all the initial health checks are complete, more blood tests will be done to discover your tissue type and blood group. These tests are required to match you with a potential kidney recipient.

Once a potential recipient is chosen, whether you know them or not, blood will be taken from both you and the recipient to check if the recipient has antibodies that might react against your donated kidney. If there are antibodies to the donor kidney, another recipient may be chosen to receive your kidney.

The final preparation stage involves meeting with an independent assessor. These assessors are trained by the regulatory body, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA). They want to find out if the person who is offering to donate a kidney completely understands the implications and risks of the process and is making an informed decision to donate their kidney. They must also be sure that the potential donor is not being either bribed or coerced into donating.

Final approval for the transplantation must come from the Human Tissue Authority. This may take a number of weeks.

In the week or fortnight before the operation, a few of the blood tests may be repeated to make sure nothing has changed. Some routine “pre-op” (before the operation) investigations may also be done during a pre-admission visit to the hospital.

The process above may seem daunting and time consuming. However, the priority is always to make sure donation is as safe as possible for the donor. All of the above can usually be completed within two to three months if necessary.

Balancing Tests with Work and Life 

The assessment process can take time, and most people have work, and have family, or other responsibilities to manage alongside it. That’s why flexibility is built into the process wherever possible. 

The donor assessment includes several appointments, tests, and discussions. These may take place over a few months and could involve visits to different departments or specialists. But your transplant team will work with you to arrange appointment times that fit around your life when possible. 

If you need to schedule appointments outside of normal working hours, spread them out, or combine them into one visit, your donor coordinator may be able to help. They’ll do their best to reduce disruption and make the process easier to manage. 

If you’re worried about taking time off work or need advice on how to explain the process to your employer, support is available. The transplant team can provide information and letters if needed, and some employers may offer paid leave for medical appointments. 

Donating a kidney is a generous and thoughtful decision. The assessment process is designed to be as manageable and supportive as possible.