How to Prepare to Donate a Kidney
Before donating a kidney, it’s important to follow some steps to keep yourself safe and make sure the donation process goes well.
INITIAL STEPS IN THE KIDNEY DONATION PROCESS
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
Before you decide to donate, it’s important to educate yourself on how kidney donation works. Get information about the process, what it involves, and the potential risks and benefits. Trusted sources, such as the NHS or your local transplant centre, can provide reliable guidance, while our website provides lots of information and the support available to you.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOSPITAL OR DONATION CENTRE
If you’re a non-directed donor (meaning you’re donating to someone you don’t know), you can choose your donation centre. It’s important to pick a centre that you are able to travel to easily, as you will need to go there several times during the process.
MEDICAL EVALUATION
PRELIMINARY HEALTH SCREENING
If you decide to go ahead, you’ll have a health screening. This includes some basic checks to make sure you’re healthy enough to donate, such as blood pressure tests and a physical examination.
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
After the first screening, you’ll have more detailed assessments. These include blood tests, urine tests, and scans to make sure your kidneys are in good condition for donation. You’ll also have discussions with your medical team to understand both the risks and the benefits of donating.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
The donation process may also involve mental and emotional preparation. A mental health professional will check that you’re psychologically ready to donate, making sure you feel supported and confident throughout the journey. Mental health support can be available if needed to make sure you are comfortable and confident throughout the process.
FINANCIAL AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
UNDERSTANDING THE COSTS
In the UK, most of the medical costs related to kidney donation are covered by the NHS. However, there may be some other expenses to consider, such as travel or unpaid time off work. You can check if support is available to help with these costs, such as some reimbursement options through the NHS. For more information on kidney donation financial considerations, visit our page here.
TIME OFF WORK AND RECOVERY
Donating a kidney typically requires some time off work. Most donors need around 4-6 weeks to recover fully. Be sure to talk to your employer about your leave options first, and consider statutory sick pay or other financial support.
PREPPING YOUR HOME POST-SURGERY
Before the surgery, it’s a good idea to prepare your home for recovery. Set up a comfortable resting area and make sure you have easy access to essentials such as food, medication, and entertainment. Lifting anything heavy in the days and weeks after your operation can be quite painful, so prepare your home by making sure you’re able to get to anything you may need while you recover.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
As the surgery date approaches, your medical team will give you clear instructions. These might include fasting for a short time before surgery and staying well-hydrated.
IN THE LEAD UP
Keeping your body in good shape is important in the lead up to surgery – you can follow these steps:
Stay active most days of the week for at least 30 minutes. A daily walk, especially before surgery, can help you recover more quickly afterward.
Quit smoking before your surgery. Smoking increases the risk of complications.
Cut down on alcohol or stop altogether. Wait for your transplant team's approval before drinking again after surgery.
Maintain a healthy diet. Eat healthily with plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins to keep your body strong.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE HOSPITAL
Be sure to pack essential items such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, and anything you need to help you relax. You might want to bring things like books, magazines, or a tablet to keep yourself entertained during recovery.
SPEAK TO A PREVIOUS LIVING KIDNEY DONOR
The UK Living Kidney Donation Buddy Support Service allows anyone interested in learning more about living kidney donation to speak with someone with lived experience. This service offers a secure and safe place for open conversations with someone who understands that journey.
Visit our webpage on Requesting a Buddy for more information.