11/04/2025
Kidney transplantation is the best way known to save a person's life after the person develops kidney failure. In the past, kidneys were only taken from living close relatives or from people who had recently died. Transplants from living donors have a better chance of success than those from deceased donors. Also, in the United States some people wait more than 5 years for a deceased donor kidney. footnote 1For this reason, more people are choosing to become kidney donors.
A living donor needs to be:
-In good general health.
-Free from diseases that can damage the organs, such as diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or cancer.
-At least 18 years old, in most cases.
What to know:
-You can donate to someone you know or to someone in need by donating to the national waiting list.
-You need a number of medical tests before you can donate.
-You don't pay for your medical costs.
-If you have questions about organ donation, talk to your doctor, a trusted friend, or your faith leader.
-Most religions allow organ donation.
-Some organizations won't accept people with only one kidney. These include fire departments and branches of the military.
-To learn more about kidney donation, contact the National Kidney Foundation, the American Association of Kidney Patients, or the United Network for Organ Sharing.
A kidney transplant can save a person's life after the person develops kidney failure. In the past, kidneys were only taken from living close relatives or from people who had recently died. Transplants from living donors have a better chance of...
