Donation Basics: Step-By-Step
Taking The Hassle Out Of The Process
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Donation Basics: Two Small Steps
Donation Process Overview
(1) fill out a 15-minute online evaluation.
(2) go to medical testing at Northwestern Medicine which is organized to be completed in a day or less. It's that simple.
Step 1 - Complete the Donor Evaluation (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.
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 2 - Testing and Review
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
Evaluation by Northwestern takes 4–6 weeks as 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. 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.
Donation FAQs
Where am I tested?
Testing takes place at Northwestern in Downtown Chicago OR at a Hospital near you approved by Northwestern.
Do I have to be a perfect match?
This is one of the biggest points of confusion in living kidney donation. There are three levels of "matching:" blood typing (O, AB, A, B), tissue typing, and cross-matching. While blood matching is the most discussed, the other two matching criteria are critical. Tissue typing examines 6 to 12 genetic markers - the fewer the mismatches, the lower the risk of long-term kidney rejection. Cross-matching occurs shortly before donation surgery to understand if the patient has certain antibodies that will attack cells in the donor's kidney.
Even if you are not a match for Vincent, Northwestern and its partners offer a way to help. The "paired kidney exchange program" allow you to donate and Vincent is matched with a compatible kidney from a "pool" of donors. Such "paired matching" can save 6-7 lives at once!
How long is recovery time after donation?
Most donors return to normal activities within 1-2 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
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. If you have second thoughts at any time during your evaluation process, simply tell your nurse coordinator and your decision remains 100% private.
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.
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