Donor Evaluation Process

Once you are referred to the living donor coordinator as interested in becoming a living donor, you will complete the necessary paperwork before proceeding further. You will have as much time as you need to discuss the donation process with the coordinator. We want to be certain we have answered all of your questions. 

You should also check with your life insurance company prior to donation to ensure you will not lose coverage.

Phase 1

You will meet with the coordinator, undergo blood and urine tests, a CT scan, chest X-ray and EKG. You will also talk with a dietitian and social worker.

You may be requested to have additional tests, such as a colonoscopy, pap and mammogram. These tests are the donor's financial responsibility.

Phase 2

Next you will meet with the nephrologist, transplant surgeon and the independent living donor advocate. Each donor is presented to the kidney team and must meet all the selection criteria before being accepted as a potential donor. Once accepted, surgery can be scheduled if the recipient is ready.

Reasons for not being selected

Prospective donors may not be selected for a variety of reasons. There may be risk factors to the recipient that the healthcare team cannot share with you. If you are not selected you are free to see other centers that may use different selection criteria than Inova.

Donors will meet with a separate team than the recipient.