A living donor is often a close family member, such as a parent, child, brother or sister. A donor can also be a more distant family member, spouse, friend, co-worker or church member.
Altruistic or non-directed donors - those who donate anonymously and do not know their recipients - are also becoming more common.
| Donor Blood Type | Recipient Blood Type |
|---|---|
| A | A, AB |
| B | B, AB |
| AB | AB |
| O | A, B, AB, O |
Note: the Rh factor (positive or negative) with the blood type does not have to match for donation.
To qualify as a living donor, a person must be physically fit, in good health and free from high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease. Individuals considered for living donation are usually between 18 and 70 years of age.
Gender and race are not factors in determining a successful match.
Additionally, the prospective donor and recipient must have a compatible blood type and cross-match.
It is important to know that even if a donor’s blood type is not compatible with the recipient’s blood type, there is still the option to be an indirect donor for your recipient through our paired kidney exchange program.
The decision to become a living donor is voluntary, freely given without pressure or financial compensation from the intended recipient.
The donor may change his or her mind at any time during the process.
The donor’s decision and reasons are kept confidential. All results of the medical evaluation of the donor will be held confidential according to HIPAA guidelines.