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Medical tests and appointments with donor team members.

PHASE

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Tests

  • Abdominal CT Scan

  • Kidney Function Tests

  • Chest Xray

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)

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Appointments

  • Social worker

  • Psychiatrist (not required for all donor candidates)

  • Kidney Doctor (Nephrologist)

  • Surgeon (Urologist)

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One-Day Evaluation Program

  • Our program is proud to offer one day evaluations for phase 2 testing.

  • We are one of the few programs in Canada to offer this model of care to potential donors.

  • All testing and consults with the living kidney donor team are conducted at The Ottawa Hospital, General Campus between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  • This occurs once a month and can accommodate three potential donors.

  • Your nursing coordinator will discuss this option with you.

Tests

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Renal Scan

  • Tells the doctor how well each of your kidneys are working.

  • An IV will be put in your arm.

  • The person performing the test will inject a radioactive tracer into the IV.

  • Pictures are taken of the blood flowing through your kidneys.

  • The amount of radiation used is similar to the amount used during an Xray.

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CT Scan

  • Tells the doctor about the anatomy of the kidney.

  • The surgeon can decide which kidney is best to remove for donation.

  • The CT scan takes about 30 minutes.

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  • 12 stickers will be placed on your chest.

  • The test will record the electrical activity of your heart.

  • This is a simple and quick test.

Electrocardiogram

  • A picture of your lungs.

  • You will be exposed to a small amount of radiation.

  • This is a simple test.

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Chest Xray

Appointments with Donor Teams

  • All kidney donors must meet with our program social worker.

  • They help the team decide if you would be a suitable kidney donor.

  • The social worker may refer you to the psychiatrist.

Social Worker

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Psychiatrist

  • Not all donors are required to meet with the psychiatrist.

  • ALL anonymous donors are required to meet with the psychiatrist.

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  • Reviews the CT Scan.

  • Reviews the Renal Scan.

  • Determines if they can safely remove your kidney.

  • Discuss surgical technique.

  • Discuss risks of kidney donation.

  • Discuss which kidney will be removed.

Surgeon (Urologist)

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  • This is the last appointment of Phase 2.

  • The doctor will review all testing and reports from Phase 1 & 2.

  • The doctor will review other team member’s assessments.

  • The doctor will explain the benefits and risks of donating your kidney.

  • The doctor will make the decision if you can safely donate your kidney.

Nephrologist (Kidney Doctor)

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Risks of the surgery will be discussed with you by the Surgeon BEFORE the surgery date:

  • Death  3/10000 (0.0003%).

  • Bleeding

  • Blood clots

  • Reaction to medication that puts you to sleep during the surgery

  • Damage to other organs

  • Infection

  • Pain

  • Testicular swelling/tenderness

Unexpected delays or risks of testing:

You may be told that you:

  • Have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing diabetes.

  • Need to reduce your weight prior to starting the work-up.

  • Need more medical testing (i.e. cardiac testing).

  • Have a health issue that you did not know about before testing started.

  • Are not a suitable donor right now due to emotional or mental health issues.

  • Are not biologically related to your recipient (excludes non-biological relations).

Other factors to consider:

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Financial costs such as parking at the hospital, missing work to attend appointments.

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Unable to take time off work to donate your kidney.​

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Personal commitments to work, travel or attending social events.

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Life insurance, wills and power of attorney.

Completion of Phase 1 & 2 testing will determine:

  • If you are healthy enough now to donate a kidney.

  • If your kidney is healthy enough to give to your recipient.

  • If you will remain healthy for your lifetime after donation.

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If you are not able to donate your kidney OR you need more testing before proceeding to Phase 3,
our team will support and guide you through the process!

If you ARE a suitable donor:

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  • You will receive a phone call from your nurse telling you this exciting news.

  • If you know the recipient, you may wish to share the news with them.

  • A surgery date will be discussed between the donor and recipient teams.

  • Please note that all surgeries take place at The Ottawa Hospital, General Campus.

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