The Kidney Donation Process

The #1 Question Donors Ask: What Happens If My Remaining Kidney Fails?

First, kidney failure in living donors is extremely rare - about the same as a tonsillectomy and far safer than an appendectomy! Studies following thousands of donors show that healthy donors generally live normal lives with one kidney. Northwestern provides a lifetime guarantee on your remaining kidney.

Northwestern provides important protections for living donors, including priority access to a transplant if a donor ever needs one later in life. That means, if something happens, you go the front of the line.

What Donor Evaluation Looks Like

Many people assume donating a kidney is complicated and time-consuming. In reality, the first step is a short written evaluation that takes about 15 minutes. Northwestern organizes testing so it can be completed in part of one day to prevent time away from work or home. Listen to a real living kidney donor explain her experience:

Here's an overview of the entire evaluation process:

Step 1 - Complete the Donor Questionnaire (15 minutes)

Fill out a 15- minute online questionnaire about your health history. This helps the transplant team determine whether it makes sense to proceed with testing.

Click here to complete the donor questionnaire.

Step 2 - Speak With a Northwestern Transplant Nurse

If the questionnaire looks promising, a transplant nurse will contact you within a few days to:

• review your medical history
• answer your questions
• schedule testing

This conversation is confidential and does not commit you to donating.

Step 3 - Testing

Northwestern created a process to complete much of your testing in half a day to one full day, reducing multiple visits and minimizing disruption to your schedule

• CT Scan

• Chest X-ray

• EKG

• Meetings with Transplant Team

• Labs

• Education session

Step 4 - Final Review With the Transplant Team

If testing looks good, you meet with the transplant team for a comprehensive final review. This includes:

• Medical evaluation
• Psychosocial evaluation
• Financial counseling
• Discussion of risks and recovery

The transplant team’s job is simple: protect the health and well-being of the donor. Here is your medical team:

• transplant surgeon
• transplant physician
• nurse coordinator
• living donor advocate
• social worker
• dietitian
• pharmacist
• financial counselor

You will always have someone available to answer questions. If anything raises concern, you will not be approved because Northwestern prioritizes your health.

Top Northwestern Surgeon explains surgery... Watch!

How Long Does Entire Evaluation Process Take?

The entire process often takes 4–6 weeks because the transplant team carefully reviews all test results before final approval. This careful review exists for one reason: to ensure donation is safe for the donor.

Meet Northwestern Kidney Transplant Doctors

Where Am I Tested?

The initial questionnaire is completed online and takes about 15 minutes.

Testing may take place at Northwestern in Downtown Chicago OR at a Hospital near you!

What If I’m Not an Exact Match to the Patient?

You do not need to be an exact match to save Meredith. Through paired kidney exchange, your kidney will be matched with another patient while your intended recipient receives a compatible kidney - a better fit - from another donor. Sometimes one donor can start a chain of several life-saving transplants.

What if I change my mind?

You can withdraw from the process at any time, for any reason. Your decision is confidential.

Will the doctors really prioritize MY health

Absolutely. The donor evaluation process is extremely rigorous and designed to protect you. Doctors evaluate your health both today - and decades into the future - before approving donation.

Will donating shorten my life?

Research shows that healthy kidney donors generally live normal, healthy lives after donation and typically longer than non-donors. About 1-2% of the population live with one kidney from birth, an accident or cancer.

Do I have to be a perfect match?

Not at all. Even if your blood type does not match, kidney exchange programs often allow donors to help through paired donation, often saving 6-7 lives at once!

Financial Protections for Donors

Living donors should not face financial hardship for helping save a life.

Several programs exist that may help cover donor expenses such as:

• Travel and lodging
• Lost wages during recovery
• Food
• Dependent care expenses

Your transplant center’s financial coordinator will explain which programs apply to your situation.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Your privacy is fully protected. Donors and recipients have separate medical teams, and your identity will not be shared unless you choose to connect later.

You may also withdraw from the donation process at any time.

Recovery Time After Donation

Most donors return to normal activities within a few weeks depending on their job and overall health. Your transplant team will provide specific guidance. Here's what you can expect:

• 1–3 nights in the hospital
• 1–2 weeks recovery at home

Watch A Donor Describe Her Experience

Facts and Sources

• Doctors carefully evaluate living donors to ensure donation is safe both now and long-term. Source: Kidney.org

  People can live healthy lives with one kidney, and donors are carefully screened before approval. Source: Mayo Clinic

• Most living kidney donors stay in the hospital 1–3 days after surgery. Source: Mayo Clinic