Kidney transplant evaluation
The first step in getting a kidney transplant is your evaluation.
You can watch the full kidney video series on YouTube.
You will come to the hospital and speak to members of the transplant team. You will undergo initial testing and bloodwork.
The evaluation helps your transplant team get a better picture of your transplant candidacy.
Kidney transplant team
The transplant nurse coordinator is your point of contact for all questions or concerns before your transplant. They will help you through evaluation, listing, and waiting phases of transplantation.
The physicians will review your medical records and surgical past, do physical examinations, go over labs and tests, and perform your transplant.
The psychologist or social worker is there to help you and your caregivers find and overcome any obstacles related to transplant. They will discuss your mental health and social history and provide community resources.
A financial counselor will review your insurance coverage and transplant benefits to make sure you can cover the costs of transplant and long-term medication coverage.
A transplant pharmacist will discuss your medication history, provide information about the medication you will take after transplant, and discuss the importance of following a medication schedule.
Testing
Completing testing is crucial before registering on the kidney transplant waitlist. The amount and types of tests will depend on your health history and evaluation results.
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- Urine test
- Chest x-ray
- Additional tests as needed
- EKG, cardiac stress test
- Age-appropriate cancer screenings
- Abdominal CT scan
- Additional tests as needed