Organ Transplant and Donation

Having a kidney transplant is a good option for many patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. If you are interested or want more information on transplants, speak to your nephrologist.

Your doctor will refer you to a transplant center where a transplant team will evaluate your condition and determine if you are a candidate for a kidney transplant. A medical exam and various specific tests will be performed. This evaluation will also determine if you are strong enough to undergo a major surgery.

There are two types of organ donors.

Living donors elect to donate one of their kidneys. They have their kidney removed surgically, and are able to lead fairly normal lives afterward.

Non-living (or cadaver) donors are people who have registered to allow usable organs to be harvested from their bodies at the time of their death. Both types of donor organs can be successful transplants.

If you are interested in becoming an organ donor, please contact the Northwest Kidney Centers for more information.