Transplant Evaluation Process

Since transplant candidates have many emotions and questions surrounding the procedure and the care and lifestyle afterwards, you’ll also be evaluated for mental health and support services needs. And, to ensure you understand and have access to the financial resources specific to your care, a Financial Counselor will work with you and your family.

Regardless of the type of transplant you may undergo, special blood tests will be needed to match a donor organ for you. Among the tests performed will be blood and tissue typing and disease testing. In addition, there may be other tests you’ll need to undergo before you are a transplant candidate. For example, tests for heart and lung function, cancer screenings, and other evaluations may all be required depending on your particular circumstances.

Once all your tests are performed, the transplantation team will meet to review the results and make a decision on whether you’re medically eligible to undergo transplantation. Some medical conditions, such as severe uncorrectable heart disease, recent cancer (other than basal cell skin cancer), and other conditions that may pose high risk of death during the immediate transplant period will prevent you from being deemed medically eligible for transplantation.

When you are determined to be eligible for surgery, you’ll be placed on a “wait list” for a compatible organ. During this time, you will continue to be treated by your referring physician for your underlying illnesses. The transplant team will be working cooperatively with your physician, as needed, during the wait period. Wait time is significantly shorter for those patients who have a compatible living donor.

Once a compatible organ is available for transplantation, you’ll be contacted by one of your team members. During the surgical and post-surgical periods, the transplant team will continue its coordinated approach to meeting your needs.