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Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria

01/

Donors must come forward voluntarily

Donors must not be under any pressure or be forced to donate. First and foremost, the donation must be the donor's decision. 

02/

Donors must be in good physical and emotional health

In order to give informed consent for the procedure, the donor must be in good health so that they can make their decision.

03/

Donors must be at least 18 years of age

While there is no upper age limit for donating a kidney, individuals must be at least 18 years old to legally donate their kidney.

04/

Donors cannot have a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to kidney disease, so persons with diabetes are not eligible to donate a kidney. 

05/

Donors with a history of Melanoma cannot donate

Patents with certain cancers such as Melanoma are not eligible to be donor candidates. However, individuals with a history of treated cancer that has a low risk of transmission or recurrence may be acceptable for donation on a case-by-case basis.

06/

Donors must have a healthy weight

Use this link to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). Your BMI must be less than 35 but 30 is preferable. If you are living with obesity, there will be more strain put on your remaining kidney. A higher BMI is associated with operative complications and worse kidney function after donation. 

07/

Donors with a history of heart bypass surgery, heart attacks, stents or a stroke cannot donate

These complications can interfere with the surgical process and pose an increased risk to the donor's life.

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What happens if I am found not to be suitable as a donor?

You may be very healthy but not a suitable donor. Often there are no issues found that require follow-up. If there are issues that require follow-up, we will let you and your family doctor know.

©2022 by Living Kidney Donor Information

2024 Updated Website Created By:

Emmanuel Fagbola, University of Ottawa Medical Student

William Barbour, University of Ottawa Medical Student

The Ottawa Hospital Living Kidney Donor Program

2022 Original Website Created By:
Sriyathavan Chandram, University of Ottawa Medical Student 

Nadin Abbas, University of Ottawa Medical Student 
Harriet Yan, University of Ottawa Medical Student 

The Ottawa Hospital Living Kidney Donor Program

Image sources used in this website.

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