Living Donation Facts

Qualifications for Living Donors

In order to qualify as a living donor, an individual must be physically fit, in good general health, and free from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. Individuals considered for living donation are usually between 18-60 years of age. Gender and race are not factors in determining a successful match, but donors must have a blood type compatible with the intended recipient.

Routine tests are also always performed to determine the potential donor's level of physical and mental health, and compatibility with the patient awaiting a transplant.

Transplant centers must also implement a written living donor informed consent process that informs the prospective living donor of all aspects of and potential outcomes from living donation.

Reference and Publication Information

The United Network for Organ Sharing is committed to providing accurate and reliable information for transplant patients. To learn more about our content authorship and review process, please read about our Editorial Board.

The content on this page was originally created on February 25, 2005 by the United Network for Organ Sharing and last modified on March 24, 2005.

This web site is intended solely for the purpose of electronically providing the public with general health-related information and convenient access to the data resources. UNOS is not affiliated with any one product nor does UNOS assume responsibility for any error, omissions or other discrepancies.